In a significant display of communication between the United States and China, Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, met with China's leader, Xi Jinping, and held rare talks with a top Chinese military official. Despite tensions over various issues, both nations seem committed to maintaining open channels of dialogue.

During his visit to Beijing, Mr. Sullivan met with Gen. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, in a meeting that marked the first in years between a senior American official and the vice chair of China's military overseeing body. This move indicates China's willingness to re-engage with the Department of Defense and highlights the importance Beijing attaches to the military-to-military relationship.

The meeting came amidst growing disputes between the two nations on national security, trade, and geopolitics. The United States has stressed the need for open communication to prevent accidents between the two countries' warplanes and navy ships as they patrol areas like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

Drew Thompson, a visiting senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, described the meeting as "very significant" and a sign that China is ready to meaningfully re-engage with the U.S. Department of Defense. While the U.S. views the military-to-military relationship as a pragmatic channel to reduce risk, China sees it as an important political indicator of the overall relationship.

Mr. Sullivan's meeting with Gen. Zhang took place at the headquarters of China's People's Liberation Army on the final day of his three-day visit to Beijing. The visit aimed to reinforce the Biden administration's efforts to manage competition with China.

Amidst the ongoing rivalry for global influence, the two nations remain divided on strategic issues. China refutes the U.S. framing of the bilateral relationship as being defined by competition, asserting its commitment to peaceful development. Mr. Xi expressed hope for the United States to find a correct way for the two major countries to coexist.

Mr. Sullivan emphasized the need for greater communication between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, as well as cooperation to address the fentanyl crisis in the United States. He also mentioned the possibility of President Biden and Mr. Xi meeting at international summits later in the year.

Although the visit aimed to reduce the risk of conflict, differences between the two nations persist. General Zhang reiterated China's opposition to American support for Taiwan, demanding the U.S. cease military collusion and arming of Taiwan.

The meeting with General Zhang was considered vital, allowing Mr. Sullivan to hear directly from the Chinese military's perspective on critical issues. It was seen as an opportunity to reinvigorate lower-level dialogue that had decreased in frequency in the past, enabling discussions on maneuvering to prevent accidents.

The U.S. government is concerned about conflicts arising between China and its allies, potentially involving American forces. Mr. Sullivan reiterated the need for de-escalation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed America's commitment to defending the Philippines as a treaty ally.

Tensions between the Pentagon and the Chinese military have characterized recent years, resulting in a suspension of military-to-military communications in 2022. However, with efforts to restore dialogue, their restoration in December signaled a desire for better understanding and reduced risk.

The talks between Jake Sullivan, Xi Jinping, and General Zhang Youxia showcased the U.S.'s and China's commitment to maintaining communication channels despite existing tensions. Both nations seek to manage their competition responsibly and mitigate the risk of conflict through diplomacy.