SHANGHAI >> A senior American lawmaker leading the first congressional trip to China in four years expressed the desire to maintain economic ties with the world’s second-largest economy. However, the senator emphasized the importance of a level playing field, allowing American companies to compete freely.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and a delegation of five other senators arrived in Shanghai as part of a three-country tour that includes South Korea and Japan. This visit comes amidst a significant deterioration in U.S.-China relations and aims to lay the groundwork for a possible meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November.
Schumer made it clear to Shanghai’s Communist Party chief that the United States is prepared to compete with China but does not seek conflict. The Communist Party chief, Chen Jining, emphasized the benefits of a healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship for the entire world. He acknowledged the presence of 5,640 American companies in Shanghai and expressed his willingness to discuss ways to promote trade at the local level.
The United States has implemented tariff and trade restrictions on China, citing concerns over national security, human rights, and other issues. China, on the other hand, accuses the U.S. of trying to contain its economic development as it emerges as a global power. Schumer stressed that while the U.S. wants the Chinese people to have economic opportunities, there is a belief that American companies face unfair treatment in China.
According to Schumer, “We believe we need reciprocity allowing American companies to compete as freely in China as Chinese companies are able to compete here.”
While the Biden administration has held several meetings with Chinese counterparts in Beijing, Schumer and his colleagues are the first American lawmakers to visit China since the country lifted its COVID-19 restrictions last year.
The delegation, comprising three Democrats and three Republicans, arrived in Shanghai on a U.S. government jet. Schumer was accompanied by Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, the senior member of his party on the Senate Finance Committee.
China, in a statement earlier this week, expressed hope that the visit would contribute to a more objective understanding of China in the U.S. Congress.
Schumer also raised concerns about Chinese companies allegedly supplying ingredients for the production of opioids in Mexico, specifically fentanyl. He emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on U.S. communities and urged China to take action.
China maintains strict control over chemicals to prevent unlawful exports and has defended itself against blame for the U.S.’ failure to curb drug abuse.
On another note, the latest restrictions imposed by the U.S. on 42 Chinese companies were described by China’s commerce ministry as “a typical act of economic coercion and unilateral bullying.”
The U.S. Commerce Department added these Chinese companies to its entity list, stating they supplied “U.S.-origin” semiconductors used by Russia for missile guidance systems and drones in the conflict with Ukraine.
The possibility of a meeting between Schumer and President Xi Jinping is seen as a positive sign for China-U.S. relations. If their meeting takes place, it could pave the way for a Xi-Biden meeting.
The White House has shown support for Schumer’s visit and the delegation’s trip to the region, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
