Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for dialogue rather than confrontation in a Sunday meeting with U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a key ally of President Donald Trump, amid escalating tensions over trade tariffs and the fentanyl crisis.

Daines, the first U.S. congressional figure to visit Beijing since Trump’s January inauguration, was accompanied by top American business leaders, including CEOs from FedEx, Boeing, Qualcomm, and Pfizer, signaling a blend of diplomacy and commerce.

Li emphasized that China-U.S. relations are at a critical turning point, echoing President Xi Jinping’s January call with Trump framing the nations as potential partners. “History shows both countries gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Li said, urging a shift from zero-sum rivalry to win-win collaboration.

He expressed hope that the U.S. would work with China for stable, sustainable ties.

Daines, arriving in Beijing on Thursday, has been a conduit for Trump’s “America First” agenda, pressing Vice Premier He Lifeng and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on halting China’s export of fentanyl precursors—a persistent U.S. grievance tied to thousands of American deaths.

Trade frictions have also intensified, with Washington imposing 20% tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing retaliating with 15% duties on U.S. farm goods. Trump plans “reciprocal” tariffs, set for announcement on April 2, to match foreign rates.

At the China Development Forum earlier Sunday, Li warned of external economic shocks, vowing policy measures to stabilize China’s economy while advocating for fair, rules-based global competition.

Beijing also released a report defending its fentanyl control efforts, rejecting U.S. pressure as unreasonable amid calls for cooperation.