Sullivan emphasized the establishment of a U.S.-China Counternarcotics Working Group, which held its inaugural meeting in Beijing, along with the reinstatement of bilateral military contacts and an agreement to discuss the responsible development of artificial intelligence. He stated that these developments are evidence of the effectiveness of this approach.
At a Council on Foreign Relations event, Sullivan addressed critics who viewed the initial engagement as one-sided, asserting that the strategy aimed to facilitate a two-way exchange, which was achieved. He also indicated that the intense interaction with China will persist in 2024, with President Biden assuming a pivotal role in the process.
Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reached an understanding during their discussions in Bangkok, Thailand, last week, emphasizing the significance of leader-to-leader conversations. Both parties agreed to report back to their respective leaders and arrange a prompt discussion via phone.
Sullivan’s remarks marked the third briefing in four days in which senior administration officials have praised the positive outcomes of their engagement with China. This concerted effort is a direct response to prominent critics within the GOP, including Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who has dubbed the initiative “zombie engagement.”
The Biden administration is eager to highlight a diplomatic thaw with its primary strategic rival, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen has disrupted Red Sea shipping routes with ongoing missile and drone assaults, despite U.S. and British airstrikes. The risk of a broader regional conflict involving the U.S. escalated after a drone attack by Iranian proxies killed three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan on Sunday. Secretary of State Blinken cautioned on Monday that regional volatility was at its highest point since 1973.
A senior administration official acknowledged last week that Sullivan had been unsuccessful in persuading Yi to leverage China’s economic influence on Iran, which supports and provides weaponry to the Houthis, in order to address the threat to global supply chains. The administration remains apprehensive about China’s unrestricted partnership with Moscow and potential steps by Beijing to directly support Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine.
Sullivan expressed concern over the absence of lethal aid provision, but noted support from Chinese companies to assist Russia in revitalizing its defense industry. This is disconcerting for the administration, as they believe that Russia’s defense industry is being strengthened to sustain an imperial war of conquest in Europe, which represents a fundamental national security interest for the United States.
Sullivan indicated that the administration intends to refine export restrictions on high technology semiconductors targeting China. “As the technology advances, our controls must adapt,” he remarked.
