A bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Sunday, marking a rare high-level congressional visit amid strained relations between the two global powers. The meeting focused on efforts to expand military communication channels between the nations.
The delegation, led by Representative Adam Smith, represents the first House of Representatives group to travel to China since 2019. Previous Senate visits occurred in 2023.
During the meeting, Premier Li characterized the visit as an “ice-breaking journey” that could help strengthen bilateral ties. Smith, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, confirmed both sides had reached consensus on the primary objectives of the talks.
“While trade and economic matters remain central to our discussions,” Smith stated, “the reality is that China and the United States are the world’s two most influential nations. Maintaining peaceful coexistence and cooperation is absolutely essential.”
The congressional group includes Republican Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna and Chris Deluzio, both members of the Armed Services Committee. The lawmakers are scheduled to remain in China through Thursday.
U.S.-China relations have faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly during the Trump administration, with tensions escalating over Taiwan policy, Beijing’s support for Russia, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The visit coincides with preparations for an anticipated meeting between former President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, scheduled for late October in South Korea. Trump has indicated he plans to visit China following an extended phone conversation between the two leaders last Friday.
