A delegation of U.S. lawmakers met with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Monday, marking the first visit by the House of Representatives to Beijing in six years. The discussions were aimed at strengthening exchanges, particularly military-to-military communication.
The bipartisan delegation was led by Democratic U.S. Representative Adam Smith, the current senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the U.S. Department of Defence and armed forces.
"We are the first delegation from the United States House of Representatives since 2019, and we strongly believe there should be more frequent visits and more robust discussions," Smith told Dong.
"We want to open up communication channels, particularly regarding military matters," Smith added, according to a pool report organised by the U.S. embassy in Beijing.
Trip follows leaders' call
Dong stated that the visit represented a "good" phase in efforts to strengthen China-U.S. communications, according to the pool report.
He urged the lawmakers to "eliminate interfering and restrictive factors and adopt constructive and pragmatic measures" to help improve military relations and bilateral ties, as reported by China's state-run news agency Xinhua.
Dong also remarked that the Chinese military is eager to build stable and positive military ties based on respect and peaceful coexistence, while safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
The visit followed a call on Friday between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, aimed at finding a way out of strained relations exacerbated by trade tensions, U.S. restrictions on semiconductor chips, the ownership of TikTok, Chinese activities in the South China Sea, and issues related to Taiwan.
The leaders agreed to continue talks on the sidelines of a forum in South Korea at the end of October. Trump also stated he would visit China early next year, and Xi would visit the U.S. at a later date.
In a separate meeting on Monday with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng, the visiting U.S. lawmakers were urged to "engage in candid communication, enhance trust, and resolve doubts" in order to develop stable, healthy, and sustainable trade and economic relations, according to Xinhua.
On Sunday, the U.S. lawmakers were welcomed by Premier Li Qiang, China's second-highest political leader.
Formal House visits were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and relations deteriorated quickly due to heated debates over the origins of the coronavirus, which spread globally.
Azerbaijan has dispatched a new rail shipment of petroleum products to Armenia, marking a continued resumption of trade following the lifting of long ...
Venezuela has released Former opposition candidate Enrique Marquez and prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel and four other S...
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from internatio...
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now enter...
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to ...
Azerbaijan has dispatched a new rail shipment of petroleum products to Armenia, marking a continued resumption of trade following the lifting of long standing transit restrictions.
Venezuela has released Former opposition candidate Enrique Marquez and prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel and four other Spanish citizens, local rights group Foro Penal confirmed on Thursday (9 January).
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now entering their twelfth day.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Snow and ice caused travel chaos in northwest Europe on Wednesday, while others were delighted by the snow-covered streets of Paris, venturing out on sledges and skis.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Hungary’s foreign minister on Wednesday criticised European plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine, saying the move risks pushing Europe closer to a direct confrontation with Russia.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from international rules”.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
Venezuela has released Former opposition candidate Enrique Marquez and prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel and four other Spanish citizens, local rights group Foro Penal confirmed on Thursday (9 January).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment