US and China Meet in Malta to Discuss Peace and Stability Across Taiwan Strait Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, recently met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta to discuss the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The meeting, held on September 16-17, aimed to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries. Both sides emphasized the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and committed to continuing this strategic channel of communication in the coming months. This meeting follows a series of recent high-level engagements between the US and China.

In May, Sullivan and Wang met in Vienna, and other officials such as US State Secretary Antony Blinken, US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Special Envoy John Kerry, and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, along with their Chinese counterparts, held meetings in Beijing over the past few months. These interactions highlight the efforts of both nations to address key issues in their bilateral relationship, global and regional security concerns, Russia's war against Ukraine, and cross-Strait matters. Notably, the economic relationship between the United States and China is one of the most significant in the world, with trade reaching over $700 billion.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, during her visit to Beijing in August, emphasized the importance of these economic ties while affirming that matters related to national security would not be compromised or negotiated. It is worth mentioning that the vast majority of US-China trade is unrelated to national security. These engagements between US and Chinese officials are in line with President Joe Biden's call to deepen communication, responsibly manage the relationship, address areas of concern directly, and collaborate in addressing global challenges.

However, tensions between the two nations have been escalating. Most recently, a "chip war" emerged as China imposed export controls on gallium and germanium, crucial elements for semiconductor production, seen as a counter-attack to the potential tightening of AI chip bans by the US. Furthermore, Biden signed an executive order banning American investments in key technology industries that could enhance Beijing's military capabilities, further distancing the US and China. In another development, Taiwan's Vice President, William Lai, made transit stops in the United States during a trip to Paraguay, provoking China to launch military exercises around the Taiwan border and issue threats to Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan identifies itself as a sovereign and independent country.

Recent incidents like these have resulted in the downgrading of diplomatic relations between China and the US since the Chinese spy balloon incident. The meetings between Sullivan and Wang reflect ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the US and China. While both countries recognize the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, tensions persist in other areas such as trade and technology, as well as territorial disputes. The future trajectory of their relationship remains uncertain, but these engagements demonstrate an ongoing attempt to manage the complex dynamics between the two global powers.