US, China Had 'Vigorous' Talks About Tech Security Issues, US Security Adviser Says

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had “extended discussions” about economics and national security, including technology export controls, in talks with senior leaders in China this week (see 2408280042), he said during an Aug. 29 press conference in Beijing.

Sullivan said he explained the Biden administration’s small-yard, high-fence approach -- the notion of placing strict controls around a small set of advanced technologies -- and “explained why it is that we feel we have to take some targeted restrictions to ensure that advanced technologies aren’t used against U.S. national security.” Sullivan also said he stressed that the U.S. is trying to de-risk from China -- not decouple from it -- and outlined the “concerns” the U.S. has had with certain Chinese actions that have affected U.S. businesses and supply chains. He didn’t give specifics.

“And so, we had a vigorous give-and-take on the issue,” Sullivan said. “Obviously, we didn’t come to agreement on certain aspects of things. But I think the dialogue is very useful because it clarifies the concerns of each side and also gives us the opportunity to explain what it is that we are doing and what we are not doing. And I thought that was valuable.”