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A group of U.S. legislators met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Monday in the first House of Representatives visit to Beijing in six years, with discussions focused on increasing communication, including military channels.
Led by Democratic Representative Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, the bipartisan delegation aimed to foster more frequent visits and stronger dialogue. Smith emphasized the importance of opening lines of communication, especially regarding military issues.
Dong described the meeting as a positive step in enhancing China-U.S. communications. He encouraged the lawmakers to remove obstacles and adopt practical measures to improve military cooperation and bilateral relations. According to China’s official news agency, Xinhua, Dong highlighted China’s willingness to develop stable military ties founded on respect and peaceful coexistence, while also protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
This visit follows a recent phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, during which both leaders discussed ways to repair strained relations. The tensions have been fueled by trade disputes, U.S. restrictions on semiconductor imports, ownership issues related to TikTok, Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, and the Taiwan situation.
The leaders agreed to hold further talks at a forum in South Korea in late October. Trump also announced plans to visit China early next year, with Xi expected to visit the U.S. afterward.
In Washington, Smith noted that the delegation discussed the status of ongoing economic negotiations, the impact of tariffs on trade, the need for China to help stem fentanyl drug flows into the U.S., and negotiations concerning TikTok’s future. He also highlighted concerns over China’s restrictions on the global supply of rare earth minerals and emphasized the importance of increased dialogue and transparency, particularly at the military level, along with a peaceful approach to Taiwan issues.
In a separate meeting, China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng called on Beijing and Washington to maintain open, honest communication, build trust, and address doubts to foster healthy, stable economic and trade relations, according to Xinhua.
The U.S. delegation was also received by China’s No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang, on Sunday.
Formal House visits had been paused since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and diplomatic relations deteriorated rapidly amid debates over the pandemic’s origins and related tensions.
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