In their upcoming meeting, Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are set to prioritize the resumption of military communications between the US and China. The White House has identified this as a crucial area for discussion during the summit, aiming to address the severed communication links between the two nations. The suspension of these lines of communication by China last year, in protest of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, has created a hindrance in defense-to-defense ties. Now, as Defense Minister Li Shangfu's dismissal leaves US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin without a direct counterpart, the urgency to restore the hotline between top defense officials is further underscored.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has emphasized the importance of reestablishing these communication channels to avoid any misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or miscommunications between the two military powers. Biden views this as a top priority, as effective communication plays a vital role in preventing potential mistakes or miscalculations. Sullivan added that the resumption of military communications should span from high-level officials down to the tactical and operational levels to ensure a comprehensive and effective dialogue between the two nations.
Aside from military matters, the Biden-Xi meeting will also address concerns surrounding Iran. Given China's reliance on Iranian oil, the US is pushing for tighter sanctions against Iran, citing its support for groups like Hamas. The recent attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, deemed a terrorist act by the US and Europe, further heightens the need to tackle the Iranian nuclear program and its regional destabilization.
The highly anticipated face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, set to take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, marks their first in-person engagement in a year. Additionally, it will be Xi Jinping's first visit to the United States in six years, further highlighting the significance of the discussions. With military communications and the Iran situation firmly on the agenda, both leaders aim to navigate these critical issues and work towards finding productive solutions that foster stability and cooperation in the region.