Chinese Premier Li Qiang met today with U.S. Senator Steve Daines, urging that Beijing and Washington prioritize dialogue over confrontation amid escalating tensions between the two global powers.
Li’s comments came during a meeting with Senator Daines, the first member of Congress to visit Beijing since Donald Trump assumed office in January. The discussions focused on contentious issues such as trade tariffs and efforts to combat the illegal trade of the potent opioid fentanyl.
Li emphasized that the relationship between the two countries had reached a critical juncture, noting that both nations could benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation. “History teaches us that China and the United States can benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation. The two countries should choose dialogue instead of confrontation, cooperation instead of competition,” Li stated.
A New Phase in US-China Relations
Li also expressed China’s desire to work with the United States to promote stable and sustainable development in their bilateral relations. The meeting with Senator Daines was attended by executives from major U.S. companies, including FedEx CEO Raj Subramanian, Boeing VP Brendan Nelson, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
Daines, who served as a mediator during Trump’s first term when tariffs were a major issue, has been working closely with the White House. Ahead of his trip to China, his office stated that Daines would “deliver President Trump’s message that America First remains a priority.”
Since Daines’ arrival in Beijing on Thursday, he has held talks with Chinese Vice President He Lifeng regarding the ongoing fentanyl trade. The U.S. has been pressing China to curb the flow of fentanyl chemicals, which have led to tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.
Trade Wars and Tariffs
Relations between the world’s two largest economies have been strained, especially after Trump’s second term began. Washington imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese imports, while Beijing retaliated with 15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products.
Trump’s administration is also planning to introduce reciprocal tariffs by increasing U.S. duties to match the tax rates imposed by other countries on U.S. imports, with the new tariffs expected to take effect on April 2, 2025.
The U.S. has heavily criticized China for not doing enough to curb the illegal fentanyl trade. In response, Beijing released a report detailing its efforts to control the illicit flow of fentanyl precursors and its commitment to international cooperation while opposing what it deems unreasonable pressure from the U.S.
This meeting highlights the ongoing complexities in China-U.S. relations, with trade disputes and drug trafficking at the forefront of bilateral discussions.
