White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris' significant role in shaping the Biden administration's China policy during recent engagements with top Chinese leadership. Sullivan emphasized that Harris, as a key member of the administration's foreign policy team, has played a crucial part in developing and implementing strategies in the Indo-Pacific region and in managing US-China relations.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts between the Biden administration and China come at a time of global uncertainty and strained relations between the two major powers. Sullivan underscored that Harris aligns with President Biden's approach to the US-China relationship, emphasizing the importance of responsible management to prevent conflicts or confrontations.
Sullivan also highlighted the significance of maintaining open lines of communication at a high level to ensure the responsible handling of the competition between the two countries. With the upcoming election drawing closer, countries worldwide are closely monitoring the potential implications of a Harris or Trump administration on international relations.
Although Harris has not visited China, she briefly interacted with President Xi Jinping during the APEC meeting in 2022. In contrast, her running mate, Tim Walz, has a history of visiting China multiple times, starting from his early days teaching English there.
Sullivan pointed out that Harris's interactions with President Xi and Premier Li have established her presence and familiarity with the top Chinese leadership. This connection is seen as valuable in fostering constructive dialogue and understanding between the US and China.
