WASHINGTON -U.S. President Joe Biden is set to re-establish military-to-military ties with China, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The move precedes a face-to-face meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. This marks only the second in-person meeting between the leaders since Biden assumed office in January 2021.

Sullivan emphasized the President's commitment to rebuilding these ties, citing their importance in preventing mistakes, miscalculations, or miscommunication between the two nations. The efforts to restore military connections could span from senior leadership to the tactical operational level, encompassing activities both at sea and in the air in the Indo-Pacific region.

During interviews with CBS' "Face the Nation" and CNN's "State of the Union," Sullivan disclosed that Biden aims to "advance the ball" on military ties during the meeting with Xi. However, specific details about the discussions were not provided.

Sullivan highlighted the significance of re-establishing communication links that the Chinese had essentially severed. The meeting's agenda is expected to cover a range of global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's ties with Russia, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific situation, human rights, fentanyl production, artificial intelligence, and "fair" trade and economic relations.

U.S.-China relations had experienced tension following Biden's order to shoot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon in February, flown over the United States. However, subsequent visits by top Biden administration officials to Beijing have aimed at rebuilding communication and trust between the two countries.