New Delhi

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told White House aide Jake Sullivan on Thursday (August 29) that Beijing is committed to good ties with the United States, despite several "great changes" in the recent past. 

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Sullivan is the first US National Security Adviser to visit China since 2016. Sullivan met Xi as he wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing, which also saw him meet Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials.

Sullivan's visit comes as China is entangled in security rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines.

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Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi told Sullivan that in spite of "great changes", China and the US could still enjoy good ties.

"China's commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations hasn't changed," Xi said.

"We hope that the US will work with China to meet each other halfway," he added, according to CCTV.

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Earlier in the day, Sullivan met with senior Chinese army chief Zhang Youxia at the Beijing headquarters of the Central Military Commission. They are reported to have discussed Taiwan and other flashpoint issues.

Also watch | Top US Jake Sullivan wraps up China visit, vows commitment to defending Asian allies

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"It's rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange," Sullivan told Zhang in opening remarks.

The two officials agreed to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders "in the near future", a readout from the White House said.

Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations".

"China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said, according to a readout by Beijing's defence ministry.

"But 'Taiwan independence' and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," he said.

"China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added.

He also asked Washington to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers". 

(With inputs from agencies)