US Commerce Secretary advocates for stable US-China relations during visit to Beijing

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo embarked on a visit to China, where she engaged in discussions with Chinese officials. The talks aimed at fostering stability in the relationship between the United States and China, following years of heightened tensions.

Raimondo’s arrival in China on Sunday marked the beginning of a three-day series of meetings with Chinese government representatives and prominent business leaders. The visit comes as part of the broader strategy of the Biden administration to establish a more stable and cooperative rapport between the two nations.

During her discussions in Beijing, Raimondo held a crucial meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday. In a statement, Raimondo expressed the profound significance of maintaining stable relations between the two countries. She emphasized the extensive economic ties that exist, with a trade value of around $700 billion. The US Commerce Secretary acknowledged the complexity and challenges within the relationship while underlining the potential for progress through open and practical dialogue.

The timing of Raimondo’s visit follows an agreement reached between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali the previous year. The agreement emphasized the need to enhance communication and collaboration between the two nations, seeking to overcome years of strained interactions.

Notably, Raimondo is not the only senior US official to engage in such diplomatic efforts this year. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and climate envoy John Kerry have also traveled to China as part of ongoing efforts to thaw relations between the two countries.

In recent years, US-China relations have deteriorated significantly, reaching their lowest point in decades. Disputes over trade practices, national security concerns, the conflict in Ukraine, and the status of Taiwan have contributed to the strained atmosphere. Under successive administrations, including the previous Trump administration, a trend of imposing trade and industry restrictions on China has been evident. The Biden administration, in particular, has continued this approach, citing national security considerations.

The measures taken by the United States have been met with criticism from Beijing, which has labeled them as “anti-globalization” and an attempt to hinder China’s economic growth, thereby impeding its rise as the world’s second-largest economy. In response, US officials have clarified their intent, asserting that their focus is on mitigating economic risks associated with the bilateral relationship rather than stifling China’s growth.