SHANGHAI, China: A delegation of US lawmakers, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, embarked on a significant journey to China on Saturday, marking the first congressional visit to the country since 2019. This diplomatic venture occurs amidst a noticeable downturn in relations between the United States and China. Concurrently, officials from both nations are working towards establishing a foundation for a potential meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping scheduled for November.
Comprising six senators—three Democrats and three Republicans—the delegation touched down in Shanghai during the mid-afternoon. Leading the Republicans was Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, the foremost member of his party on the Senate Finance Committee, while Schumer represented the Democrats, hailing from New York. Notably, since China lifted its COVID-19 restrictions in December of the previous year, this marks the first visit by U.S. lawmakers, following a series of high-level engagements between Biden administration officials and their Chinese counterparts in Beijing.
In an official statement earlier this week, China expressed hope that this visit would contribute to a more objective understanding of China in the U.S. Congress. Schumer’s office has disclosed that his primary focus during this visit will revolve around advocating for reciprocity from China concerning U.S. business and trade, as well as emphasizing the importance of maintaining American leadership in advanced technologies for national security. Discussions are also expected to encompass human rights, fentanyl production, China’s role in the international community, and potential areas for collaboration.
The success of this visit could play a crucial role in setting the stage for a summit between Presidents Biden and Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting in San Francisco next month. The senators are aiming to arrange a meeting with Xi in Beijing during their visit, further enhancing the prospects of a substantive dialogue between the two nations.
Chinese international relations expert Wang Yiwei, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, expressed optimism about Schumer’s visit, seeing it as a positive sign for the China-U.S. relationship. He stated, If the talks proceed well, there is the possibility that President Xi will meet Schumer, underscoring that such a meeting could elevate the likelihood of a subsequent meeting between Xi and Biden.
The White House has extended its support to Schumer and the delegation, acknowledging the importance of their visit to the region. Following their visit to China, the senators are scheduled to proceed to South Korea and Japan, further emphasizing the significance of regional engagement and cooperation.
