Daines Engages in Productive Talks with Chinese Vice Premier Amid Rising U.S.-China Tensions
BEIJING — U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a key ally of the Trump administration, met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Saturday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as trade tensions escalate between the two nations. Daines, the first congressional member to visit Beijing since Trump’s inauguration, expressed optimism about constructive dialogue despite ongoing concerns over trade tariffs and the illegal fentanyl trade.
During the meeting, Daines is scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday, where he expects to gain insights into China’s economic policies. This visit is noteworthy for Daines, who has a history of engaging with Chinese officials, having previously worked for an American consumer goods company in Guangzhou and met Li in 2018.
Daines highlighted the urgency of addressing critical issues between China and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. "I’ve always believed in having constructive dialogue, which has characterized all my visits to China over the years," he stated.
Before embarking on this trip, Daines coordinated with the White House, affirming his commitment to advancing the "America First" agenda initially set during Trump’s presidency. Notably, he served as a liaison during past negotiations involving tariffs.
As tensions have intensified, Daines open discussions about combating fentanyl production and distribution in China, alongside advocating for reduced trade deficits to ensure fair market access for American agricultural producers.
The backdrop of this visit includes contentious developments, with the U.S. implementing a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, which provoked retaliatory measures from China, impacting U.S. agriculture. The U.S. administration has accused China of insufficient action to prevent the export of fentanyl’s precursor materials, a crisis linked to numerous fatalities across the country.
In a strong reaction, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned U.S. tariffs, promising continued retaliation against what he termed “arbitrary measures.” Following these exchanges, China released a report detailing its commitment to controlling the illegal fentanyl trade while expressing resistance to U.S. sanctions perceived as unjust.
Throughout Daines’ visit, he engaged in discussions on bilateral relations with Chinese officials, following a prior trip to Vietnam, showcasing a broader diplomatic initiative during these complex times.
