US Senator Steve Daines met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who criticized US economic policies and called for dialogue. Daines plans to address trade and fentanyl issues during his visit to China, viewed as a means to ease tensions amid the Trump-era trade war. Both sides expressed mutual interests in cooperation despite the ongoing challenges.
On Saturday, United States Senator Steve Daines engaged in a meeting with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who expressed strong criticism of Washington’s economic policies while advocating for continued dialogue. The vice premier greeted Senator Daines, emphasizing the potential for friendship between the nations amid ongoing trade tensions. Daines’s visit, which includes a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, is perceived as an attempt to alleviate strained relations resulting from the trade war initiated by Former President Trump.
During his time in Beijing, Senator Daines intends to address crucial topics such as trade negotiations and the smuggling of fentanyl, a substance significantly affecting the United States, with origins linked to China. Representing Montana, Daines has extensive experience in China and was commended by Vice Premier He for his understanding of the country. He expressed that both nations have ample common interests and opportunities for cooperation.
Vice Premier He stated, “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 reiterated the importance of developing a partnership between the United States and China for mutual success and prosperity.
Senator Daines conveyed the importance of constructive dialogue, reflecting on his previous visits to China as essential for addressing pivotal issues between the two nations. Amidst Trump’s administration reinstating tariffs on trade partners, Daines mentioned the need for addressing the fentanyl precursor issue while discussing the substantial trade imbalance.
In response to ongoing tensions, Beijing has introduced retaliatory tariffs on various US agricultural products, illustrating the complexities of the current trade war. The Senator mentioned President Trump’s ongoing call for China to halt the unlawful fentanyl trade and expressed hope for forthcoming high-level discussions.
In conclusion, Senator Steve Daines’s meeting with China’s Vice Premier indicates a potential opening for dialogue, even amidst the backdrop of significant trade tensions. Both leaders acknowledged common interests and the desire to maintain diplomatic communication to resolve ongoing issues. The discussions surrounding trade, fentanyl, and mutual cooperation reflect the complexities inherent in US-China relations, calling for continued dialogue moving forward.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
