The arrival was reported by state broadcaster CCTV, which described his visit as an “important move” to implement consensus reached between the two leaders during their meeting in San Francisco in November.
His visit to China is the first by a White House national security adviser in eight years and is widely seen as laying the groundwork for another summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
“This trip marks the fifth meeting between Wang and Mr Sullivan. The channel between the national security adviser and the director has played an important role in responsibly managing the competition and the tension between our two countries,” US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told the press on Monday.
Wang is also expected to raise the issue of what China deems America’s “arbitrary measures” in relation to tariffs, export controls and unilateral sanctions imposed, according to a Chinese foreign ministry official, as Washington continues to target China’s hi-tech development and alleged “overcapacity” in manufacturing.
A similar collision also occurred on August 19, when the US issued a statement condemning China’s “reckless manoeuvres” and reaffirmed its commitment to defend its ally if attacked in the disputed waters.
On Friday, the US sanctioned dozens of Chinese entities and individuals over their alleged roles in “bolstering” Russia’s war in Ukraine as Beijing has been under immense pressure from the West by keeping close ties with Moscow.
Sullivan’s visit to China also came as stakes become higher in the US election season, with polls showing a close race between candidates Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.
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South China Sea: China, Philippines trade blame after second collision at Sabina Shoal
South China Sea: China, Philippines trade blame after second collision at Sabina Shoal
While the Biden administration said Sullivan’s trip should not be tied “too closely” to the election, analysts said the poll in November would be one of the most important issues to dominate the meeting agenda.
More to follow …
