Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met in Vienna on May 10 and 11 for discussions described as candid, substantive, and constructive by both sides.
The outcome of these meetings remains uncertain in terms of whether they will lead to a call between Presidents Xi and Biden or visits by Secretary of State Blinken, Treasury Secretary Yellen, or Commerce Secretary Raimondo. It is unlikely, however, that the U.S. will announce new actions against China or release information China opposes, such as the FBI spy balloon report, if they expect further high-level communication.
In an additional effort to ease tensions between the U.S. and China, Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, and rumors suggest Wentao will meet with USTR Ambassador Tai in Detroit later this month.
Mr. Sullivan's unannounced talks with his Chinese counterpart in Vienna were aimed at resetting high-level contacts and preventing further deterioration of relations between the two countries.
The eight-hour meetings focused on various issues, including the detention of American citizens in China, transnational concerns such as counternarcotics efforts, and regional security issues like U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and cross-Strait issues.
The U.S. reiterated its commitment to the One China policy, emphasizing the avoidance of conflict and confrontation. Despite challenges, such as U.S. sanctions against China's defense minister, the talks represent an attempt to foster constructive dialogue and address concerns from American allies about Washington's efforts to reduce tensions with Beijing.
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