Elbridge Colby's request to visit China remains unanswered, with Beijing yet to issue an official invitation to the Pentagon policy chief. The proposed visit carries significance for U.S.-China relations, which have been overshadowed by tariffs, export controls and rising military tensions around Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Politico reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Colby has been asking U.S. Defense Department officials for months to convey his request to their Chinese counterparts. However, the assessment that the visit would stabilize U.S.-China relations has not been presented as a definite outcome.
Colby is targeting China’s National Defense University
Colby has identified giving a speech at China’s National Defense University as his primary objective. A person familiar with the matter said Colby had pressed relevant officials to ensure that the request was repeatedly raised in meetings.
The effort was described as a notable shift in Colby's stance, given his previous reputation for pursuing tough policies toward China. Colby helped shape the strategy that defined China as the United States' main strategic competitor during Donald Trump's first presidency.
Taiwan arms package delayed plans
Differences in statements from the U.S. administration have also complicated the process. U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “friend,” while also accusing Xi of interfering in the 2020 presidential election.
Chinese officials were dissatisfied with the $11 billion arms package for Taiwan approved by the U.S. administration in December. Randy Schriver, a former deputy defense secretary, said Chinese officials had told him that a previous decision to sell weapons to Taiwan had delayed plans for Colby's visit.
Schriver also said Beijing was continuing to work on arranging visits by Colby and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Colby's unsuccessful effort to arrange a visit reflects broader tensions between the United States and China.
