SHANGHAI – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, led a bipartisan congressional delegation to the People’s Republic of China that included U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.). The delegation issued the following statement at the conclusion of the visit:

“The relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. Productive outcomes and candid dialogue between our two countries are crucial in order to clear up misunderstandings, work through disagreements, and open up cooperation on a variety of issues for the benefit of both of our countries and the world. To that end, we hope that this congressional delegation will pave the way for future delegations and lead to more opportunities for Members of Congress to engage in meaningful conversations with senior Chinese government officials. 

“Our delegation raised numerous concerns on issues including stopping the flow of fentanyl and ?fentanyl precursors, tariff and non-tariff barriers to business and trade, China’s approach to territorial disputes, access to critical minerals, and Russia’s war against Ukraine. We appreciated hearing China’s perspective on these issues and on U.S. policies and actions more broadly. As two global powers, the U.S. and China have had and will continue to have disagreements, but we both need to take steps to bring down the temperature and rhetoric. Candid discussions like the ones we experienced during our visit are a positive step in this direction. 

“Finally, we would like to thank Ambassador David Perdue, Consul General Scott Walker, and the many talented U.S. diplomats and their families living and working in China. The United States is well represented by U.S. Mission China, and they should be commended for their tireless work to improve the bilateral relationship.”

Background: During their five days in China, the delegation visited Beijing and Shanghai. The delegation participated in briefings at the U.S. Embassy led by Ambassador David Perdue and at Consulate Shanghai led by Consul General Scott Walker. The delegation held bilateral meetings with LI Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, ZHAO Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress, HE Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, WANG Yi, Director of the Office of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, DONG Jun, the Minister of Defense of the People’s Republic of China, WANG Chao, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, YIN Yong, Mayor of Beijing, and GONG Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai. In addition, the delegation met with FU Ying and CUI Tiankai, both former senior Chinese government officials, and with representatives of U.S. companies doing business in China. 

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