September 22, 2025

In a rare and spicy move, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers landed in Beijing on Sunday to push for more military-to-military talks with China. This visit is special because it’s the first time since 2019 that members of the House of Representatives have been to China, and only the second trip by Americans after a group of senators visited in 2023. The Chinese Premier Li Qiang welcomed the U.S. delegation warmly. He called this visit an "icebreaking trip that will further the ties between the two countries." Li stressed, "It is important for our two countries to have more exchanges and cooperation, this is not only good for our two countries but also of great significance to the world." Leading the U.S. delegation was Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Smith said both sides agreed on why this visit matters. "Certainly, trade and economy is on the top of the list ... (but also) we're very focused on our military-to-military conversations," he said during the opening remarks. "As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm deeply concerned that our two militaries don't communicate more." The team also included Michael Baumgartner, a Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, plus Democrats Ro Khanna and Chrissy Houlahan, both from the Armed Services Committee. They plan to stay in China until Thursday. U.S.-China relations have been on a slippery slope since President Donald Trump's first term. Trade fights, the tricky status of Taiwan, Beijing's backing of Russia, and China's strong claims in the South China Sea have all added layers to the tension. Smith pointed out, "China and the U.S. are the two most powerful and influential countries in the world, it's really important that we get along, and we find a way to peacefully coexist in the world." He also welcomed Premier Li's hope to build stronger ties. On another interesting note, Trump announced he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a regional summit in South Korea at the end of October. Plus, he plans a visit to China in the "early part of next year," following a long phone call between the two leaders just last Friday. This visit signals a spicy new chapter where both sides look for ways to cool down heated issues and talk more directly, especially in military matters. Will this 'icebreaker' thaw the frost in U.S.-China relations? Time will tell!

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Tags: Us-china relations, Military dialogue, Adam smith, Li qiang, Bipartisan delegation, Taiwan,