Commerce Secretary Travels to China in Bid for Improved Relations

U.S. Commerce Secretary⁤ Gina Raimondo Promotes Friendlier Relations with China

Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce ​Secretary, embarked on a mission to China to foster ⁢a stable economic relationship⁢ between the world’s two largest economies. She emphasized​ the ⁣importance of this relationship, stating that it is “profoundly important” for both countries.

Raimondo aims to strengthen business ties as‌ U.S. firms face increasing challenges in operating within⁢ China. Conversely, China has criticized ⁢U.S. efforts ⁣to restrict its access to advanced semiconductors.

Highlighting the significance of the economic‌ relationship, Raimondo mentioned that the United States and China share over $700 billion in annual trade. However, she acknowledged that the relationship is complex and challenging, ‌and disagreements are inevitable. Nevertheless, she believes that progress ⁢can be made through direct, open, and practical dialogue.

Previous Visits by Biden Administration Officials

Raimondo’s visit follows trips made‌ by three other senior Biden administration officials to China. Secretary of⁤ State Antony Blinken, climate envoy John Kerry, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ⁣all visited China in recent months to ease tensions. During their visits, they adopted a conciliatory tone, addressing concerns and affirming their commitment to cooperation.

Boosting Ties and Building Consistent‌ Engagement

Raimondo is engaging in three days of ⁢talks with Chinese and business leaders to‌ enhance ties. She met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao for over two hours, emphasizing the importance of ‌U.S.-China economic relations to the world. Wang expressed appreciation for Raimondo’s ⁣positive stance on trade with China and ‍expressed readiness to work together to create a favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation.

Raimondo highlighted the establishment of new information exchanges and working groups between the​ United States and China, enabling more consistent⁣ engagement in the relationship.

National Security Concerns and⁤ Trade

While some Republicans in Congress have criticized⁢ the idea of a working group with China on⁣ export controls for advanced semiconductor chips, Raimondo has made it clear that matters of national security are non-negotiable. She stated that compromises or negotiations are not ​possible in these areas. However, she emphasized that the vast majority of trade between the two ⁤countries does not impact national security concerns.

Showcasing Trade Opportunities

During an event, Raimondo showcased​ personal‍ care products made by U.S. companies and sold in China. She used ⁢these products to demonstrate that trade can flourish outside of items with national security implications. Raimondo highlighted that 99 percent of trade between the United States and ⁢China is unrelated⁤ to export controls.

“No one can argue that health and‍ beauty ‍aids interfere with our national security,” she said. “The plan, and the hope, is that our commercial relationship, if done right, can stabilize the political relationship.”

(Reporting⁣ by ​David Shepardson; Editing ​by Michael ‍Perry, Clarence Fernandez, and Mike Harrison)