U.S. Senator Steve Daines met with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who criticized U.S. economic policies while advocating for dialogue amid trade tensions. Daines intends to address trade and fentanyl smuggling during his visit. The meeting is seen as an attempt to ease strained relations due to Trump’s trade war.
On Saturday, United States Senator Steve Daines met with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who expressed firm criticisms of American economic policies while advocating for improved dialogue amidst existing trade tensions. During the meeting, He emphasized the potential for friendship between the two nations despite ongoing conflicts, adopting a cordial disposition towards Daines and his spouse.
Daines’ visit coincides with his meeting scheduled for Sunday with Premier Li Qiang, aiming to alleviate ongoing strained relations resulting from the trade war initiated by former President Donald Trump. In Beijing, Daines planned to discuss trade issues as well as the smuggling of fentanyl, a substance linked to a significant health crisis in the United States.
Vice Premier He praised Daines for his familiarity with China, asserting that, “China firmly opposes the politicisation, weaponisation and instrumentalisation of economic and trade issues, and is willing to engage in candid dialogue with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits.” He further noted that both countries possess numerous shared interests and opportunities for cooperation.
Daines remarked that he had arrived in Beijing during a critical moment for discussions on various bilateral concerns, reiterating his belief in the importance of constructive dialogue throughout his prior visits to China. Since taking office in January, Trump has implemented tariffs targeting various international trade entities, including China, to address perceived trade imbalances and other issues.
In retaliation, Beijing has instated tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on select U.S. agricultural products, such as soybeans and pork. The U.S. embassy in China highlighted Daines’ advocacy for China to cease the shipment of fentanyl precursors and expressed a desire for additional high-level discussions between both nations. Daines also pledged to confront the trade imbalance between the U.S. and China. Meanwhile, Trump has announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping may soon visit the United States, a claim that has yet to be confirmed by Beijing.
The meeting between Senator Steve Daines and Vice Premier He Lifeng underscores the complexities of U.S.-China relations amidst significant trade tensions. Daines aims to foster dialogue on pressing issues such as fentanyl smuggling and trade imbalances. Both countries possess mutual interests that may pave the way for future cooperation, despite the challenges posed by recent policies from the U.S. government and retaliatory measures from China. Continued discussions may help mitigate tensions and foster a more amicable partnership going forward.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
