BEIJING — In a rare meeting with a visiting American official, a senior Chinese military officer demanded on Thursday that the United States stop its "collusion" with Taiwan.

Gen. Zhang Youxia, Vice Chair of the Central Military Commission, told U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan that promoting Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland is “the mission and responsibility” of China’s military, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.

Sullivan, concluding a three-day visit to China aimed at maintaining communication and avoiding conflict over Taiwan and other issues, emphasized the need to responsibly manage U.S.-China relations. Both nations are eager to maintain stability in their relationship ahead of a change in the U.S. presidency in January.

The meeting followed Sullivan’s discussions with China’s top foreign policy official, Wang Yi, and came a day after plans were announced for a future phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden.

China suspended military communication with the U.S. after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, and talks have been slow to resume. The latest discussions marked a step towards improved military-to-military communication, with an agreement to hold a theater-level call between commanders soon.

China’s Defense Ministry reiterated demands for the U.S. to cease military support and arms sales to Taiwan, accusing Washington of spreading “false narratives” about the island. The White House, in turn, highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. — Agencies