A top Chinese military officer, in a rare meeting with a visiting American official, demanded Thursday that the United States stop “collusion” with Taiwan, the self-governing island that China says must come under its rule.
A top Chinese military officer, in a rare meeting with a visiting American official, demanded Thursday that the United States stop “collusion” with Taiwan, the self-governing island that China says must come under its rule.
Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of two vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, told White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan that promoting what China calls the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is “the mission and responsibility” of the military, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.
Sullivan was wrapping up a three-day trip to China, his first as national security adviser and one aimed at maintaining communication to avoid differences over Taiwan and other issues from spiraling into conflict.
Both governments are eager to keep relations on an even keel ahead of a change in the US presidency in January.
“Your request to meet with me shows the value you attach to military security and the relationship between our militaries,” Zhang said in brief opening remarks.
Sullivan said “it is rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange” and underscored “the need for us to responsibly manage US-China relations.
