Senate Leader, Xi Meet in China, Talk Trade
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he spoke candidly with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a trip to Shanghai, saying China needs to stop unfair treatment of U.S. firms with operations in China.
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In a news release Oct. 10, Schumer said, "I made clear to President Xi that America wants stability and fairness. At the foundation of our relationship must be a level playing field for American businesses and workers as well as responsible competition. We need reciprocity. That means allowing American companies to compete as freely in China as Chinese companies are able to compete in America. I made clear to President Xi that we do not believe there is a level playing field or reciprocity now.
“I raised the huge structural inequities and serious imbalances the U.S. faces in its economic and trade relationship with China. For decades, the Chinese government has erected significant barriers aimed at restricting the ability of American companies to compete in an open and fair manner in China. I made clear that the United States cannot sit idly by and that we must address the Chinese government’s forced technology transfers, theft of intellectual property, required joint ventures, and intimidation of U.S. businesses operating in China, among other troubling actions, that undermine economic reciprocity.
“Specifically, I also raised the need to remove restrictions and open up the Chinese market to U.S. companies, including from the semiconductor, financial services, and aerospace industries, and putting an end to policies that intimidate U.S. businesses operating in China."
Schumer was accompanied by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, and other senators.
He said he also pressed Xi to stem the flow of fentanyl and precursor chemicals for synthetic opioids.
He also said: “While we must ensure that our trade policies are fair, the United States will also prioritize our economic and national security, including protecting advanced technologies. Our delegation made clear that America is not seeking a confrontation with China, but we will remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting stability in the region, freedom, and democratic principles, and vigorously defend our values around the world."
China also reported on the visit, saying, "President Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the United States should respect each other, live in peace, and cooperate for mutual benefit. This is the fundamental principle of correct coexistence between China and the United States in the new era.
"Schumer and his delegation thanked Shanghai for the warm reception and were impressed by this vibrant, modern, and international metropolis. They also exchanged views on promoting economic and trade exchanges and other issues.
"They stated that the US values the US-China relationship and does not seek to decouple from or conflict with China. The visit to China aims to promote candid, in-depth, constructive and effective dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, promote the resolution of differences and concerns, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and ensure that the development of US-China relations benefits both countries and the world."