US party delegation visits China to examine trade's national security impact

A delegation from a United States congressional advisory panel has arrived in China for a week-long fact-finding mission, marking their first visit in seven years. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission aims to investigate the national security implications stemming from the economic and trade relationship between the two global powers.

The commission has requested meetings with various Chinese stakeholders, including government officials, academics, and leaders in key technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics. They also plan to engage with US diplomats and American companies operating within China during their visit.

Randall Schriver, the commission's chairman, clarified the purpose of the trip, stating, "We are not travelling to reset the relationship. We are travelling to understand it." This underscores the commission's focus on gathering information rather than engaging in diplomatic negotiations to alter the current state of affairs.

Established by Congress in 2000, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission operates as an independent body tasked with advising lawmakers on the intricate links between the US-China trade and economic ties and national security concerns. Their last visit to mainland China occurred in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and amidst heightened trade tensions during Donald Trump's presidency.

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We are not travelling to reset the relationship. We are travelling to understand it.