March 31, 2018

Senator Warren's Meeting Schedule in China

Beijing – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) held the following meetings and engagements in China on Friday, March 30th and Saturday, March 31st.

Friday, March 30

Upon arrival in Beijing, Senator Warren met with U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad and received a briefing from State Department officials at the Embassy. She also met with the Marine Security Guards who protect the embassy as well as Foreign Service Officers and representatives from other U.S. government agencies stationed in Beijing.

Saturday, March 31

Senator Warren had several meetings with Chinese government officials. In each meeting, she had candid discussions about U.S.-China relations, acknowledging both our shared interests and our areas of disagreement. Senator Warren raised strong objections to China's treatment of human rights, including freedom of the press, expression and religion.

Senator Warren met with Vice Premier Liu He for extensive discussions about the economic impact of trade. She expressed how China's trade-distorting measures end up hurting American workers and her skepticism about trade deals that have for too long catered to the interests of big corporations instead of American workers. Senator Warren also stressed the importance of ensuring a reciprocal economic relationship that allows U.S. companies fair access to the Chinese market. She met with Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe to discuss the challenge posed by North Korea and urged China to continue its enforcement of international sanctions targeting the North Korean nuclear and missile programs. They also discussed ways to improve transparency in our military-to-military relationship in order to reduce the risks of miscalculation in the region. With Politburo Member Yang Jiechi, Senator Warren again discussed North Korea, and also raised the opioid epidemic in the United States and stressed the need for China's cooperation to prevent the spread of fentanyl precursors.

Senator Warren also met with Chinese academics and attended a roundtable with a dozen American businesses operating in China. It was organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, together with the U.S.-China Business Council and the U.S. Information Technology Office. Elizabeth Warren @SenWarren In Beijing, I had candid discussions with Chinese officials about US-China relations, acknowledging both our shared interests and our areas of disagreement, including my concerns about China's treatment of human rights.

Elizabeth Warren @SenWarren In my meetings with Chinese government officials, we discussed the challenge posed by North Korea and the need for a diplomatic solution. I urged China to continue enforcing international sanctions until we see clear evidence that North Korea has changed its behavior.

Elizabeth Warren @SenWarren With Vice Premier Liu He, I had an extensive discussion about how China's trade-distorting measures end up hurting American workers. I've long been skeptical of trade policy – both at home and abroad – that caters to big corporations instead of working families.

Elizabeth Warren @SenWarren I'm grateful to Ambassador Branstad, our diplomats, and the many representatives from other US government agencies who proudly represent our country in Beijing and at our consulates throughout China.

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