Officials are working to resolve differences ahead of upcoming talks between President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
On Thursday, a delegation of Republican senators discussed bilateral relations with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.
Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander told the official the U.S. and China are competitors not adversaries and suggested they can prosper together.
China’s Premier Li Keqiang, right, speaks next to Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander during a meeting with a group of U.S. Republican senators and Congress members at Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. (Jason Lee/Pool Photo via AP)
Although U.S.-China relations have been rocky, Keqiang said he is optimistic both nations can work together in the spirit of mutual respect.
“I hope that China and the U.S. will meet each other halfway and will appropriately handle their differences with mutual respect and equal cooperation,” stated the Chinese premier. “We have the capability and the wisdom to overcome barriers and push China-U.S. relations back to a normal track — this isn’t just beneficial for both countries, but also the world.”
President Trump has imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods so far this year.
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:50 PM PT — Thurs. Nov. 1, 2018
