In the midst of great tensions between the USA and China, after a long radio silence, the two governments met again at a high level. The White House announced today that US President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, met with the top Chinese foreign policy maker, Wang Yi, in Vienna.
The “frank, factual and constructive talks” included key issues of bilateral relations, global and regional security issues and Russia’s war against Ukraine. “This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to ensure open communication and responsible handling of the competition,” a statement from the US President’s Office said. The two sides agreed to keep this “important strategic communication channel open”.
A former Chinese foreign minister, Wang is now director of the office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, making him the country’s top diplomat.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the meeting, which it said it was involved in preparing for. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) also met Sullivan and Wang, according to a statement. “Open and constructive channels of dialogue between the US and China are important for regional and international stability,” the State Department said. As a place of dialogue, Vienna will continue to be available for meetings of this kind in the future.
