According to common understandings between the two parties and at the invitation of the U.S. side, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held the consultation on Asia-Pacific affairs with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Washington, D.C. on September 27, 2023. The two sides had candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on China-U.S. relations, regional situation in the Asia-Pacific, respective regional policies, and international and regional issues of mutual interest. Sun Weidong expounded on China’s position on the Taiwan question, and emphasized that the one-China principle is the bedrock of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Sun also stated China’s position on the pursuit of the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” by the U.S. and the South China Sea. The Chinese side emphasized that sound interactions between China and the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific serves the interests of both countries and meet the common expectation of regional countries. The two sides agreed to maintain communication on Asia-Pacific affairs.

On the same day, Sun Weidong met with U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.