Rare conversation between US security adviser and Chinese military general: Beijing reminds Washington of first ‘red line’ not to be crossed.H
On August 29, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia in Beijing.
 |
| US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan (left) meets with Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia in Beijing on August 29. (Source: Al Jazeera) |
China Central Television (CCTV) reported that at the meeting, the two sides acknowledged progress in communication activities over the past 10 months and planned to hold a command-level phone call “in the near future”.
| Related News |
“It’s rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange,” Sullivan said at the start of the meeting. “Given the state of the world and the need to responsibly manage the US-China relationship, I think this is a very important meeting.”
He hopes to have “productive discussions” on “issues of mutual concern”.
For his part, Mr. Truong Huu Hiep thanked Advisor Sullivan for his visit and said that the meeting “demonstrates the value that the US government attaches to military security”.
Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Zhang Youxia said that maintaining stability in the field of national defense and security between the two countries is in line with common interests and also the common expectations of the international community.
According to Mr. Truong Huu Hiep, the US should adjust its strategic perception of China, returning to a rational and pragmatic policy towards Beijing.
Besides, he called on Washington to truly respect China’s core interests, cooperate with Beijing to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries, and jointly shoulder the responsibility of being a major country.
Referring to the Taiwan issue, the Chinese general emphasized that this is the core of Beijing’s core interests, the foundation of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in the relationship between the two countries.
China has always maintained its commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but “Taiwan independence” and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are incompatible.
Mr. Truong Huu Hiep declared: “We are determined to take measures to respond to the provocative actions of forces demanding Taiwan independence.”
A rare and critical conversation took place between a U.S. security adviser and a top Chinese military general, highlighting the fragile state of U.S.-China relations. During the discussion, Beijing took the opportunity to remind Washington of its first “red line”—a stern warning not to cross certain boundaries that could escalate tensions between the two superpowers. This reminder underscores China’s firm stance on key issues, likely referencing Taiwan or other regional disputes where the U.S. has shown support for China’s adversaries.
The conversation reflects the delicate balance both nations must maintain to avoid further deteriorating an already tense relationship. The U.S. security adviser’s engagement with the Chinese military leadership is seen as an attempt to manage and possibly de-escalate potential flashpoints. However, the reminder of the “red line” indicates that Beijing is prepared to defend its core interests aggressively. As the global community watches closely, this interaction could either pave the way for renewed dialogue or, conversely, set the stage for heightened confrontations, depending on how the U.S. responds to China’s warning. The outcome of this diplomatic exchange may have far-reaching implications for international stability.
4o
