US Lawmakers Urge Military Talks During Rare Beijing Visit
Rare bipartisan trip aims to ease US-China tensions.
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday in Beijing, pushing for stronger military-to-military communication during a rare congressional visit, the first by House members since 2019. The trip, described by Li as an “icebreaking” effort, signals a potential thaw in the frosty US-China relationship, strained by trade disputes, Taiwan’s status, and China’s stance on Russia.
Led by Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, the delegation emphasized the need for open dialogue to prevent misunderstandings between the two global powers. “Our militaries must communicate more effectively,” Smith said, highlighting concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea and beyond. “This visit is about building bridges, not just for our nations but for global stability.”
The group, which includes Rep. Michael Baumgartner (Republican, House Foreign Affairs Committee), Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (both Democrats on the Armed Services Committee), will remain in China until Thursday. Their agenda focuses on trade, economic cooperation, and de-escalating military tensions. Li echoed the sentiment, stating, “Exchanges and cooperation between our countries are vital for the world.”
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US-China relations have been rocky since the Trump era, with flashpoints like Taiwan, where China asserts territorial claims, and Beijing’s expansive South China Sea ambitions. The lawmakers’ visit comes amid heightened global scrutiny of China’s support for Russia, adding urgency to their call for dialogue.Smith underscored the stakes: “As the world’s two most powerful nations, we must find ways to coexist peacefully.” The delegation’s push for military talks aims to reduce the risk of miscalculations in contested regions.
In a related development, former President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a late-October summit in South Korea, following a lengthy phone call between the two on Friday. Trump also hinted at a China visit early next year, raising hopes for high-level diplomacy.
The lawmakers’ trip marks a rare moment of bipartisan unity, with both sides stressing the need for constructive engagement. As global tensions simmer, this visit could lay the groundwork for renewed US-China cooperation—or at least a step toward mutual understanding.
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