BEIJING (AP) — The White House announced on Wednesday that there are plans for a forthcoming phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden in the coming weeks, following a meeting in Beijing between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Sullivan’s visit to China focused on maintaining open high-level communications to stabilize the relationship between the two countries and prevent conflicts.

Both sides agreed to keep communication channels open, with preparations underway for a “leader-level call” in the near future. The possibility of an in-person meeting between the two leaders before Biden’s term ends was not mentioned. Additionally, a military theater commander telephone call is scheduled between the two nations soon.

Amid China’s military expansion, concerns have arisen over Taiwan and the South China Sea potentially becoming areas of tension. Wang Yi emphasized to Sullivan that Taiwan’s independence represents a significant threat to regional stability and urged the U.S. to cease arming the island while supporting China’s peaceful unification efforts. Taiwan, which became a separate democratic entity from communist China in 1949, rejects Beijing’s demands for reunification and is supported by U.S. law to receive defense equipment to deter invasions.

The White House emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China also cautioned the U.S. against backing the Philippines in disputes over the South China Sea. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to defending allies in the Indo-Pacific and expressed worry over Beijing’s actions disrupting lawful Philippine maritime activities in the region.

With a shift from engagement to competition, the Biden administration aims to manage competition with China and foster collaboration in various areas like climate change and technology. Both countries plan on further discussions on topics including illicit drug trafficking and undocumented migrants. Issues such as trade policies and economic practices were also raised, with Wang urging the U.S. to cease its suppression in these areas to prevent negative impacts on global development and economic growth.

The dialogue between the U.S. and China is set to continue, covering aspects like artificial intelligence and trade, as both nations navigate their complex relationship amidst evolving global challenges.