China's Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of dialogue over confrontation in addressing the rising tensions between China and the United States. In a recent meeting with a pro-Trump senator, Li made clear that we sit at a very important crossroad between the two countries. He described escalating conflict around trade tariffs and the illegal fentanyl trade. Beyond rebukes, he highlighted the importance of collaboration, declaring that “there’s no winner in a trade war.”
The meeting occurs amid rising tensions between the two economic juggernauts. Li Qiang conveyed China's openness to foreign companies, including those from the United States, to share in the country's development opportunities. This move has complemented China’s larger pledge to promote global economic cooperation and protect economic globalization.
Li Qiang addressed the long-standing issue of illegal fentanyl production and distribution. This trade has raised alarm and controversy between the two countries. The U.S. has criticized China for insufficient action in stopping the export of precursor materials for fentanyl, a potent opiate linked to numerous deaths in the U.S. Li Qiang discussed this issue with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, responding to former President Trump's call for Beijing to halt the flow of these precursors.
In a call with Trump earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed optimism about the potential for China and the U.S. to become partners and friends who contribute to each other's success. At this launch event, Li echoed these sentiments, reiterating China’s desire for cooperation with the U.S. They strive to advance consistent and sustainable growth of bilateral ties.
Li also emphasized that China is committed to collaboration. It is adamantly against what it sees as unsustainable U.S. coercive pressure, which it thinks is being hidden under the guise of addressing fentanyl-related concerns. He warned that China may face unexpected shocks, primarily from external factors, and reiterated his belief that "our two sides need to choose dialogue over confrontation, win-win cooperation over zero-sum competition."
The convening included refreshingly candid discussion with top executives from a number of major U.S. corporations. Among the most notable participants were executives from FedEx Corp., Boeing Co., Qualcomm and Pfizer. These conversations were designed to inspire businesspeople to take the lead on evolving economic globalization and enabling a fair playing ground with rules recognized in the global arena.
