SCMP "Zhong Yangzetsu and Sullivan Meet in Switzerland"

(Photo by AFP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat, and Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, are scheduled to hold talks in Switzerland this week, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 5th.

SCMP, citing multiple sources, reported that Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs, is set to meet with Sullivan in Switzerland this week, with the most likely date being the 6th.

A source familiar with the matter described the meeting as "an attempt by both sides to rebuild communication channels and implement the consensus reached between the two leaders."

This meeting comes about a month after the second phone call between President Biden and President Xi. The two leaders spoke by phone on the 9th of last month, following their initial call in February.

The call lasted 90 minutes, during which both leaders showed mutual respect and candor, and did not avoid discussions on areas of disagreement, according to the White House.

SCMP reported, "To resolve the thorny issues between the U.S. and China, officials from both countries have been pushing for a summit over the past several months," adding, "Previously, China stated that while it is open to increasing dialogue, a summit is unlikely to be held before the end of the year."

This meeting also takes place shortly after Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), announced the Biden administration's trade policy toward China, about eight months after taking office.

In a speech released on the 4th (local time) at the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Tai outlined the framework of the China trade strategy, which includes maintaining the high tariffs imposed during the Donald Trump administration and adhering to the Phase One trade agreement.

Tai also emphasized that through candid dialogue with China, the U.S. will raise broad policy concerns, deploy all available tools, and develop new measures if necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.