BEIJING, Aug. 29 -- General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday in Beijing.

General Zhang Youxia said that President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting in San Francisco last November and the two heads of state had a phone call this April, mapping out the direction for a sound, stable and sustainable development of China-US relations. The two sides should implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and turn the San Francisco vision into reality. Maintaining stability in the field of military security serves the common interests of the two sides and is also the shared aspiration of the international community. It is hoped that the US will work in concert with China on the path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The US side should correct its strategic perceptions of China, adopt a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, truly respect China's core interests, promote military-to-military communication and exchanges together with China, and jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries.

General Zhang Youxia stressed that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. China is committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, yet "Taiwan independence" forces are as incompatible with peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. It is the mission and duty of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification. The PLA will definitely take countermeasures against the provocations of the "Taiwan independence" forces. China urges the US side to stop military collusion with Taiwan, stop arming Taiwan, and stop spreading false narratives on Taiwan.

The two sides also exchanged views on other issues.