U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a strong ally of President Donald Trump, had a cordial meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Saturday, despite rising tensions between the two countries over issues like trade tariffs and the illegal fentanyl trade. Daines, the first member of Congress to visit Beijing since Trump took office in January, is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday. He Lifeng noted that during this meeting, Daines would receive a briefing on China’s policies.
Having worked for Procter & Gamble in Guangzhou, a key economic center in southern China, Daines stated that this marks his sixth trip to the country. He had previously met Li in 2018, when Li was serving as the Communist Party secretary of Shanghai. Daines emphasized that this visit is timely, as there are critical issues that need to be addressed between the United States and China.
Senator Steve Daines expressed his long-standing belief in the importance of constructive dialogue, which has been the focus of his visits to China over the years. Later on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in China shared a post on X, noting that Daines reiterated President Trump’s call for Beijing to halt the flow of fentanyl precursors from China. Daines also expressed hope for future high-level discussions between the United States and China.
Vice Premier He Lifeng stated that China firmly opposes the politicization and weaponization of economic and trade matters. He expressed China’s willingness to engage in honest dialogue with the U.S., based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits. He emphasized that both countries have many common interests and could become partners and friends, working together for mutual success.
Before his trip, which began on Thursday, Senator Daines’ office mentioned that he had been in close coordination with the White House and would be promoting President Trump’s “America First” agenda during his visit. Daines had previously acted as an intermediary during the first Trump administration when tariffs were a significant issue.
Montana Senator Steve Daines mentioned on X earlier this week that during his meetings with Chinese officials, he would address issues such as curbing the production and distribution of fentanyl, reducing the trade deficit, and ensuring fair market access for Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and producers.
Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated in the early months of President Trump’s second term, following the U.S. imposition of 20% tariffs on Chinese goods. In retaliation, China imposed 15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Additionally, the U.S. has criticized China for not doing enough to stop the export of fentanyl precursors, which are responsible for a significant number of deaths in the U.S.
In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused Washington of “meeting good with evil” and warned that China would continue to retaliate against what it sees as the U.S.’s “arbitrary tariffs.” China also released a report outlining its efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade, specifically targeting the ingredients produced in China.
According to a recent report, China and the U.S. have held several high-level discussions since early last year to enhance cooperation, with China’s Narcotics Control Bureau regularly engaging with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. The report emphasized China’s commitment to cooperation but also firmly opposed the U.S. imposing what it considers unlawful sanctions and unreasonable pressure on China under the guise of addressing fentanyl-related issues.
Senator Steve Daines arrived in Beijing on Thursday, where he met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. This visit to the Chinese capital followed Daines’ trip to Vietnam, where he met with the country’s top leaders.