US lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit

"BANGKOK A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers pushed for more military-to-military dialogue in a meeting Sunday with China's Premier Li Qiang, a rare congressional visit since the U.S.-China relations soured. The last trip by a group of senators was in 2023, and Sunday's delegation was the first from the House of Representatives to visit Beijing since 2019. Li welcomed the delegates led by Rep. Adam Smith and called it an "icebreaking trip that will further the ties between the two countries.""

""It is important for our two countries to have more exchanges and cooperation, this is not only good for our two countries but also of great significance to the world," Li said. Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said both sides were in agreement on the overarching aim of the visit. "Certainly, trade and economy is on the top of the list ... (but also) we're very focused on our military-to-military conversations," he said in opening remarks."

""China and the U.S. are the two most powerful and influential countries in the world, it's really important that we get along, and we find a way to peacefully coexist in the world," Smith said. "I really welcome your remarks about wanting to build and strengthen that relationship.""

A bipartisan House delegation visited Beijing to press for expanded military-to-military dialogue and to emphasize trade and economic ties. The group was led by Rep. Adam Smith and included members from both the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. Premier Li Qiang welcomed the visit, calling it an icebreaking trip and urging greater exchanges and cooperation for global significance. Lawmakers highlighted concerns about limited military communication and prioritized discussions on trade and security. The visit comes amid strained U.S.-China relations over trade tensions, Taiwan, Beijing's support for Russia and South China Sea disputes.

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