A bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress is currently in China, aiming to enhance dialogue between the two nations, particularly concerning military relations.
The delegation, led by Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), seeks to "open up the lines of communication" with China, as articulated by Smith during a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun. This visit marks the first official delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives to China since 2019.
As reported by American Military News, the delegation includes notable figures such as Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), all of whom are members of the House Armed Services Committee, with Baumgartner also serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Their itinerary in China includes meetings with Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier He Lifeng, alongside the defense minister.
The Associated Press highlighted that military communications between the U.S. and China were previously halted in August 2022, following a visit to Taiwan by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
However, these communications were restored in November 2023 after a meeting between former President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue, stating, "We are the first delegation from the United States House of Representatives since 2019 and we feel strongly that there should be more frequent visits and more robust conversation."
Smith further elaborated on the necessity of communication, particularly in military matters, noting, "And we have disagreements, without question, but I think it makes it all the more important that we have open discussions about how to resolve those differences." This sentiment underscores the delegation's mission to foster peace and security through dialogue, despite existing tensions.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun acknowledged the significance of the visit, remarking that it "shows a good phase in strengthening China-U.S. communications" and that improving these communications "is the right thing to do." This mutual recognition of the need for dialogue could pave the way for more stable relations between the two global powers.
The timing of the delegation's visit is noteworthy, as it follows a recent phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. According to The Associated Press, Trump confirmed plans to meet Xi at an upcoming summit in South Korea in October and expressed intentions to visit China in the "early part of next year."
This development signals a potential shift towards more direct engagement between the U.S. and China, aligning with the delegation's objectives.
As the delegation continues its visit, the focus remains on establishing a framework for ongoing communication, which is essential for addressing the complex challenges that define U.S.-China relations. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for global stability and the future of international diplomacy.
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