A bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Sunday, marking a significant step in efforts to restore military communication channels between the two nations. The visit represents the first by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to China since 2019 and comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Led by Representative Adam Smith, the delegation was welcomed by Premier Li, who described the trip as a “confidence-building journey” aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations. Smith, a senior Democrat, emphasized that both sides recognized the importance of the discussions, stating, “While trade and economic issues remain central, the ability of our nations to coexist peacefully is paramount.”
The delegation includes Republican Michael Baumgartner from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, alongside Democratic representatives Ro Khanna and Chris Deluzio from the Armed Services Committee. The lawmakers are scheduled to remain in China through Thursday.
Relations between the United States and China have been strained in recent years due to disputes over trade, Taiwan, and regional security concerns. The visit follows a recent high-level phone conversation between the two countries’ leaders and precedes a planned meeting later this year.
