Bipartisan US Senate Delegation Visits China to Discuss Trade, Security amid Tense Relations

A bipartisan delegation of US senators led by Chuck Schumer is visiting China, the first such visit in over 4 years. The goal is to have direct talks with Chinese officials on issues like human rights and US business interests.

The visit comes amid tense US-China relations and aims to lay groundwork for a potential Xi Jinping visit to the US to meet Biden. However, some US lawmakers have criticized the trip.

The delegation plans to raise concerns about market access for US companies like Micron Technology that face restrictions in China. They will also discuss topics like fentanyl, regional security, and technology competition.

Schumer said the delegation will focus on securing fair treatment for US businesses in China and advancing US national security and technology leadership. Issues like human rights will also be raised.

Experts say while the visit may not lead to big changes, it could help set a more cooperative tone before the potential Xi-Biden talks. The high-level trip shows Congress' growing role in US-China relations.