Feb 25 • 00:00 UTC 🇨🇳 China South China Morning Post

US seeks healthy trade relations with China but does not trust it, lawmakers clarify

US lawmakers express a desire for stable trade relations with China while emphasizing a lack of trust in Chinese practices regarding technology and trade.

In recent congressional hearings, US lawmakers articulated a complex stance towards China, highlighting the pursuit of healthy trade relations while simultaneously voicing deep skepticism about the country's intentions. Senior officials reiterated that the relationship with China will prioritize stability, yet the element of trust remains absent due to ongoing concerns over technology theft and efforts to bypass American tech restrictions. This reflects a bipartisan sentiment that underscores the challenges in the US-China relationship leading up to the impending summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.

The discussions during these hearings come amid an atmosphere of increasing tension surrounding trade and advanced technologies, particularly in sectors like semiconductors. Lawmakers expressed widespread unease about China's strategies to steal or outmaneuver US technology initiatives, raising alarms about national security in the context of America's competitive standing in the global tech landscape. The implications of these hearings go beyond mere diplomacy—they signal the urgency with which US officials are addressing the potential risks posed by China.

As President Trump prepares for his summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, the sentiments expressed in these hearings serve as a reminder of the precarious balance the US must navigate. With economic ties growing more intricate, these legislative discussions reveal the challenges of forging a cooperative diplomatic relationship while remaining vigilant about the potential threats posed by China’s tech ambitions. The outcomes of future engagements may hinge on how effectively both nations can confront these pivotal issues without compromising their respective national interests.

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