Jake Sanders, Editor
During a critical meeting in Beijing on Thursday, a senior Chinese general conveyed to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan that the U.S. must cease its “collusion” with Taiwan. Gen. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, emphasized that Taiwan is central to China’s core interests and a fundamental aspect of China-U.S. relations, stating that it represents a crucial red line that should not be crossed. He warned that the People’s Liberation Army would respond to provocations from Taiwan independence advocates and urged the U.S. to halt military cooperation with Taiwan, cease arms sales, and stop spreading misleading narratives about the island.
在星期四於北京舉行的一次關鍵會議上，一位中國高級將領向白宮國家安全顧問傑克·沙利文傳達了美方必須停止與台灣的“勾結”。中國中央軍事委員會副主席張又俠強調，台灣是中國核心利益的核心，也是中美關係的一個基本方面，並表示這是一條不應該跨越的關鍵紅線。他警告說，人民解放軍將對台灣獨立倡導者的挑釁作出回應，並敦促美方停止與台灣的軍事合作，停止軍售，並停止散播有關該島的誤導性敘事。
In response, Sullivan highlighted the shared responsibility of both nations to prevent competition from escalating into conflict and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed concerns regarding Chinese support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to ensuring free navigation in the South China Sea, a contentious issue amid ongoing disputes with the Philippines.
Both officials agreed to maintain military communications, a channel that was reestablished following President Biden’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco. Zhang also committed to a future phone call with a theater commander.
Sullivan’s visit included meetings with Xi and China’s foreign minister. While the U.S. maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan, which China views as its territory, it continues to support and arm the self-governing island. In recent years, Chinese military drills around Taiwan have intensified, particularly following the election of pro-U.S. President William Lai Ching-te. Xi had previously indicated to Biden that he intends to reunify Taiwan, even by force if necessary.
