US Senator Steve Daines met with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss economic relations amid trade tensions. Daines emphasized the need for dialogue concerning trade and fentanyl issues. He reiterated Trump’s position on fentanyl sourcing while Beijing expressed willingness for cooperation despite tariffs.
On Saturday, US Senator Steve Daines met China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who criticized Washington’s economic policies while advocating for dialogue. He emphasized the potential for the two nations to foster friendship, despite ongoing trade tensions. Daines’s visit, scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang on Sunday, aims to alleviate strained relations amid a trade war initiated by Trump, focusing on issues such as trade and the fentanyl epidemic in the US.
He Lifeng commended Daines for his extensive knowledge of China, stating, “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,” as reported by Xinhua. The vice premier highlighted that both countries share numerous common interests and opportunities for collaboration.
Daines arrived in Beijing, noting the critical nature of discussions regarding bilateral issues. He reiterated his commitment to constructive dialogue, consistent with his previous visits to China. Trump’s administration continues to impose tariffs on major US trading partners, particularly targeting China, Canada, and Mexico, citing trade imbalances and challenges in illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
In response to US tariffs, Beijing has implemented retaliatory duties on significant American agricultural products, including soybeans and pork. The US Embassy in China noted that Daines expressed President Trump’s concerns about the flow of fentanyl precursors into the US and hopes for continued high-level talks soon. Daines also addressed the substantial trade imbalance and Trump’s recent announcement regarding a potential visit from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, though confirmation from Beijing is still pending.
The meeting between Senator Daines and Vice Premier He highlights ongoing efforts to manage US-China relations amidst significant trade tensions and issues related to fentanyl trafficking. Both parties indicated a desire for constructive dialogue, with Daines prioritizing discussions on trade and the drug crisis. Despite tariffs and retaliatory measures, there remains a mutual interest in finding pathways for cooperation.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
