Sullivan's three-day trip will focus on critical issues, including China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war, military assertiveness in the South China Sea, and tensions with Taiwan.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is set to visit China from August 27 to 29, aiming to manage U.S.-China relations during President Biden's final months in office.

The discussions will also cover the U.S. fentanyl crisis, military talks, and regional stability, particularly in light of recent conflicts involving Israel and Hamas.

Despite some progress in dialogue, significant tensions persist over economic competition, Taiwan, and global security threats.

Biden and Xi last met in November, where they reached minor agreements on issues such as illegal fentanyl and military communications.

U.S. officials are interested in China's role in mediating Palestinian faction reconciliations, following its announcement of talks involving 14 Palestinian groups.

No significant announcements are anticipated from the meetings, with the primary focus on maintaining communication on challenging issues.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the importance of the U.S.-China relationship, calling it the most crucial bilateral relationship globally.

Key agenda items for the talks include counter-narcotics cooperation, military communication, AI safety, and risk management.

China is expected to raise concerns regarding American tariffs, particularly as it seeks to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sullivan's visit aims to prevent competition between the U.S. and China from escalating into conflict, especially as both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.

The upcoming discussions will also assess the situation in the Middle East, where both nations have differing approaches but shared concerns about instability.