In a rare meeting with a visiting US official on Thursday, a senior Chinese military officer called on the United States to cease its "collusion" with Taiwan. 

Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, told White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that advancing what China terms the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is “the mission and responsibility” of the military, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.

“China demands that the United States stop military collusion between the US and Taiwan, stop arming Taiwan, and stop spreading false narratives about Taiwan,” the Chinese Defense Ministry statement said.

Sullivan was wrapping up his first visit as national security advisor - a three-day visit to China - which aimed at preserving open communication and avoiding escalation of disagreements over Taiwan and other issues. Both governments are focused on carefully managing relations in anticipation of the US presidential transition in January. 

“Your request to meet with me shows the value you attach to military security and the relationship between our militaries,” Zhang said in brief opening remarks.

Sullivan said, “It is rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange, " underscoring “the need for us to responsibly manage US-China relations.”

Xi, Biden to hold phone call in coming weeks

The meeting occurred one day after the White House announced plans for a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in the coming weeks, with no indication of whether the two leaders might meet in person before Biden's term ends.

The announcement came after Sullivan’s primary discussions during the trip, which included a day and a half of meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

On Wednesday, Wang Yi cautioned the visiting Sullivan against backing the Philippines in the contested South China Sea, according to state media.

Wang told Sullivan, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV, that "the United States must not use bilateral treaties as an excuse to undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should it support or condone the Philippines's actions of infringement."

He emphasized that "China is firmly committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights over the South China Sea islands."