March 23, 2025: Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets U.S. Senator Steve Daines
Source: AFP
Key Takeaways:
- Meeting features top business leaders.
- Premier Li expresses hopes for improved U.S.-China relations.
- China commits to continuing its path of economic globalization.
BEIJING – During a vital meeting on Sunday, China’s second-highest official emphasized the importance of "dialogue" with the United States. This gathering, taking place in Beijing, included prominent U.S. business figures and Senator Steve Daines of Montana, a key ally of former President Donald Trump.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated recently, with Trump’s broad tariffs posing challenges to China’s trade ambitions. Premier Li Qiang’s remarks were directed toward Daines as he seeks to repair strained ties ahead of a possible summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Li urged that the two nations should favor "dialogue over confrontation" and "mutually beneficial cooperation over zero-sum competition."
The meeting was also attended by executives from major companies such as FedEx, Pfizer, and Qualcomm.
Li added that he hoped the U.S. would "collaborate with China to foster the stable, sound, and sustainable development" of their relationship. Earlier that day, during the China Development Forum, he reiterated Beijing’s commitment to pursue economic globalization despite challenges, implicitly referencing the trade disputes ignited by Trump’s policies.
Navigating "Rough Waters"
Chinese leadership has aimed to stabilize the economy, particularly by encouraging consumer spending post-pandemic. They are positioning China as a supporter of a multilateral economic framework as the United States engages in trade disputes with various countries, including Canada and Mexico.
"China will firmly stand on the right side of history, which favors fairness and justice, and will take righteous actions amid the turbulent times," Li stated at the forum, which was attended by various business leaders, including Apple’s CEO Tim Cook.
Li confirmed that China would "stick to the right trajectory of economic globalization, embrace true multilateralism, and strive to be a stabilizing force in an uncertain world."
Addressing growing concerns over global economic fragmentation due to Trump’s actions, Li noted that "instability and uncertainty are increasing."
Discussion on Fentanyl
The talks also covered the pressing issue of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals being transported from China to the U.S. Trump has criticized China for not controlling these shipments, which are central to the country’s ongoing drug crisis.
Beijing maintains it has taken robust measures against illegal drug production and trade and considers finding solutions a U.S. responsibility.
On the weekend, Daines also met with Vice Premier He Lifeng, a senior economic advisor to President Xi. He stated that China "strongly opposes the politicization and weaponization of economic relations" and expressed a willingness to engage in "open and sincere dialogue" with the United States, emphasizing the potential for collaboration based on mutual interests.
The tariffs enacted by Trump represent a blanket increase of 20% on Chinese goods exported to the U.S. Although China reached record export levels last year, experts warn that ongoing volatility in global trade systems may compel Beijing to explore alternative growth strategies.
As concerns remain, Beijing is targeting a growth rate of around 5% for the current year, the same goal as the last year, which many economists view as ambitious.
