# Jake Sullivan Discusses the Biden Administration's China Policy Strategy

Sullivan emphasized multilateral relationships to counter China's influence while reflecting on past policies.

Jake Sullivan, serving as President Biden's national security adviser, has overseen the U.S. government's approach to China throughout his four-year tenure. This involved international diplomacy, including meetings in Vienna, Malta, and Bangkok with Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, and a significant conversation with President Xi Jinping in Beijing last August. Sullivan recently shared insights on the administration's strategy at the White House.

Reflecting on the Trump administration's policies, Sullivan noted a critical change in approach under Biden. Rather than relying solely on bilateral alliances, the Biden team aimed to construct a more intricate network of relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. He described the revitalization of the Quad coalition including Australia, India, and Japan, and the establishment of various U.S. security partnerships with nations like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

On the topic of semiconductor manufacturing — a vital battleground in U.S.-China competition — Sullivan acknowledged preliminary efforts initiated during the Trump administration. While they laid some groundwork for cooperation with allies like the Netherlands on extreme ultraviolet lithography technology, Sullivan asserted that a systematic export control regime was necessary for tackling such challenges effectively.

Sullivan's comments encapsulate a critical pivot in U.S.-China relations, focusing on collective security and economic strategies that aim to safeguard American interests in the face of rising global competition.