The US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, has arrived in Beijing for a four-day visit aimed at enhancing business ties between the world’s two largest economies. Raimondo emphasized that national security trade measures will not be up for debate during the talks.
During her visit, Raimondo will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese officials in both Beijing and Shanghai. She has been joined by US Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, and aims to promote open communication to ease tensions between the two countries.
The United States is currently working with its allies to limit China’s access to advanced semiconductors, while Beijing has placed restrictions on shipments from the prominent chip company, Micron Technology, and fined US firm Mintz Group for “unapproved statistical work.”
Raimondo’s visit comes amidst Republican criticism over the possibility of establishing a working group with China during her visit to discuss US semiconductor export controls. She clarified that national security will not be up for negotiation and stated that the US aims to maintain a stable commercial relationship with China.
The US is implementing government incentives and tax policies to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and increase domestic semiconductor production. Nevertheless, Raimondo stressed that investing in America does not signify a desire to decouple from China’s economy.
Raimondo also expressed an interest in boosting travel and tourism between the two nations. China and the United States recently agreed to double the number of permitted flights between the countries. If China were to return to pre-pandemic US tourism levels, it could contribute $30 billion to the US economy and create 50,000 jobs.
Additionally, Raimondo plans to visit Shanghai Disneyland and address concerns raised by senior business leaders about the challenges of doing business with and exporting to China. Another question remains regarding when Chinese airlines will resume taking deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX jets after a four-year hiatus. Boeing is prepared to deliver aircraft to Chinese airlines when the time comes.