BANGKOK (AP) - A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers emphasized the necessity for enhanced military-to-military dialogue during a meeting on Sunday with China's Premier Li Qiang. This gathering marks a significant moment for U.S.-China relations, which have deteriorated in recent years. It is notable as it is one of the few congressional visits to China since the bilateral ties became strained.
The last delegation from the U.S. Senate visited China in 2023, and this visit by House members is the first since 2019. The lawmakers, led by Rep. Adam Smith, were welcomed by Premier Li, who characterized the visit as an "icebreaking trip" aimed at strengthening the ties between the United States and China.
During the meeting, Li emphasized the importance of increased exchanges and cooperation between the two nations, stating, “This is not only good for our two countries but also of great significance to the world.” This sentiment underscores the international implications of U.S.-China relations, which extend beyond bilateral concerns.
Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat serving on the House Armed Services Committee, conveyed a shared understanding of the aims of their visit, highlighting that issues of trade and the economy were paramount. However, he particularly stressed the urgent need for improved military communications between the two nations, expressing his concern regarding the lack of dialogue between their respective militaries. “As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’m deeply concerned that our two militaries don’t communicate more,” he remarked during his opening statements.
The bipartisan delegation also included Republican Michael Baumgartner from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Democrats Ro Khanna and Chrissy Houlahan, who also serve on the House Armed Services Committee. The lawmakers are scheduled to remain in China until Thursday, during which they will likely engage in discussions over various pivotal issues affecting U.S.-China relations.
The backdrop to this diplomatic initiative is the deteriorating state of U.S.-China relations, which have been negatively affected since the presidency of Donald Trump. Key issues contributing to these tensions include ongoing trade disputes, the contentious status of Taiwan—which China views as its own territory—Beijing's alignment with Russia, and China's extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
In his comments, Rep. Smith acknowledged the critical nature of U.S.-China relations, stating, “China and the U.S. are the two most powerful and influential countries in the world; it’s really important that we get along, and we find a way to peacefully coexist in the world.” He expressed appreciation for Li's remarks regarding the desire to build and strengthen the bilateral relationship.
In a related development, Trump announced plans to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a regional summit scheduled for late October in South Korea. Following a comprehensive phone conversation between the two leaders, he also indicated an intent to visit China in the early part of the following year.
As such diplomatic efforts unfold, the interplay of U.S.-China relations will remain a focal point, given the significant impact these dynamics have on global stability and international relations.
