**Why US House Lawmakers Are on a Trip to China**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:24 PM*
A bipartisan delegation from the United States House of Representatives, led by Representative Adam Smith, has arrived in China. This marks the first visit by a House delegation since 2019 and aims to stabilize the increasingly strained relationship between the two global economic powerhouses.
### Diplomatic Outreach Following Trump-Xi Phone Call
The visit follows a recent phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders are seeking ways to ease tensions that have deepened over various critical issues. These include ongoing trade disputes, US restrictions on semiconductor chip exports, controversies surrounding TikTok’s ownership, Chinese activities in the South China Sea, and matters related to Taiwan.
### Emphasizing the Importance of Dialogue
Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat and the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, highlighted the significance of maintaining open communication. He stated, “Merely talking with China is not endorsing everything that they do.” Smith further remarked, “China is a big, powerful country. We are a big, powerful country. I think we need to talk about that.”
### Defense Diplomacy and First Talks Since January
Shortly after the visit was announced, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, marking their first exchange this year. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that while the United States does not seek conflict with China, it will steadfastly defend its vital interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
This visit underscores the critical role of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing amid ongoing challenges, reflecting both sides’ recognition of the need for dialogue over confrontation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-congressional-delegation-visits-china-amid-tensions/story
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