Jake Sullivan, the United States National Security Advisor, met with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, as Beijing faces security conflicts with key American allies. This meeting occurred in the wake of several events that have heightened tensions in the region.

The Japanese military swiftly responded when a Chinese military aircraft violated Japanese airspace with a reconnaissance plane. Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the incursion— the first of its kind involving a military aircraft— not only represents a serious violation of Japan’s sovereignty but also poses a threat to the country’s security.

The Philippine Defense Secretary has also criticized China, labeling it the “largest disruptor” of peace in Southeast Asia following a week of confrontations between ships from both countries near a disputed reef in the South China Sea.

Sullivan’s flight landed at Beijing’s main airport around 2 PM local time, where he was greeted by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Yang Tao from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The meeting between Sullivan and Wang took place at a resort on the outskirts of the Chinese capital, where the two diplomats greeted each other in front of American and Chinese flags.

Wang characterized the relationship between the U.S. and China as “critical” and acknowledged that it has experienced “fluctuations.” He added, “I hope that communication will be both strategic and substantive, as well as very constructive.”

Prior to the meeting, Sullivan stated they would discuss both areas of agreement and disagreement that “must be addressed effectively and substantively.” A U.S. official indicated that Sullivan would raise the issue of the South China Sea, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to strengthening alliances and addressing technological and national security challenges.

Additionally, there is pressure from Washington on Beijing regarding the increasing “military, diplomatic, and economic pressure” on Taiwan, which China considers a part of its territory and has not ruled out unification through force. Sullivan will also reiterate U.S. concerns over China’s support for Russia’s defense industry in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

However, Beijing responded that, unlike the U.S., it does not directly supply weapons to any parties involved in the conflict. Sullivan’s visit comes just months before the U.S. elections in November and marks his first trip to China as National Security Advisor since 2016.