In message to China, Sullivan reaffirms US' commitment to defending Asia allies

Aug. 28, 2024, 1:27 p.m.

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During his three-day visit to China, Jake Sullivan conveyed to Beijing that the US would stand by its regional allies, a statement made by the White House on Wednesday. This follows recent accusations from Japan and the Philippines, who blamed China for escalating tensions.

“Mr Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies,” AFP quoted the White House as saying after he met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi.

He also expressed concern over “destabilising” Chinese maritime operations against the Philippines, added the White House.

Advertisement Sullivan arrived in Beijing on 27 August for a fresh round of strategic discussions ahead of the US presidential elections in November.

Sullivan's visit to China, his first, follows previous meetings with Wang Yi in Vienna, Malta, and Bangkok, reflecting continued efforts to engage with Chinese officials.

Sullivan's trip underscores ongoing attempts to maintain open communication channels and address escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

Sullivan’s meeting with Wang Yi carried heightened significance as President Joe Biden neared the end of his term without having visited China.

Before the meeting, there was much speculation about whether Sullivan’s trip to Beijing could pave the way for Biden’s first trip to China.

Nevertheless, some experts remain cautious, suggesting that while a pre-war situation might increase the likelihood of such a visit, it's still improbable that Biden will travel to China before leaving office.

Should Biden leave without making this trip, he would join Ronald Reagan as one of only two US presidents to have not visited China during their time in office.

In this context, Sullivan’s visit is seen as a crucial substitute.

With inputs from agencies