Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, is planning a fall visit to China with a bipartisan delegation of senators. This will make him the highest-level congressional official to visit China. The visit is part of the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts to address tensions with Beijing. Senator Schumer will be accompanied by Senator Michael D. Crapo, Republican of Idaho. The delegation will also make stops in Japan and South Korea. Punchbowl News was the first to report on the planned visit.
As the Biden administration pursues a two-part strategy of engaging senior Chinese officials while imposing restrictions on American investments in China’s high-tech industries, the trip is significant. These industries are believed to be fueling Beijing’s military ambitions. Senator Schumer has been a supporter of this approach, particularly the restrictions, which he sees as important steps in reducing China’s threat to U.S. national security.
Senator Schumer has a history of taking a tough stance on China, criticizing their currency manipulation, unfair trade practices, and aggressive actions against Taiwan. Last year, as majority leader, he led the passage of legislation to invest billions in the American semiconductor industry, aiming to reduce dependence on China. He is now advocating for sanctions on China for fentanyl trafficking and strategies to surpass China in artificial intelligence.
During an A.I. forum on Wednesday, Senator Schumer voiced concerns about China’s rise and its impact on national security. He warned that other governments, including China, are investing heavily in A.I., and falling behind could be detrimental to the United States.
Although Senator Schumer has taken a hard line with China, he has been more cautious in engaging diplomatically, avoiding actions that could strain relations further with Beijing. Unlike Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his predecessor Nancy Pelosi, who have both visited Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen, Senator Schumer has not visited Taiwan during his tenure as majority leader and did not meet with Ms. Tsai during her U.S. tour earlier this year.
When asked about the possibility of recognizing Taiwan as an independent country, Senator Schumer dismissed the idea and emphasized the importance of maintaining the current situation.
Senator Schumer’s visit to China follows recent visits by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and climate envoy John Kerry.
This visit to China will be only the second official international trip led by Senator Schumer since becoming majority leader in 2021. The first trip, which took place in February, included visits to Europe, India, Pakistan, and Israel.
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