Beijing – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday welcomed a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith, calling the trip an “ice-breaking journey” for China-U.S. relations. It’s the first visit to the Chinese mainland by a group of U.S. House members since 2019 – nearly four years marked by heightened tensions and limited dialogue.
As a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wang highlighted that the delegation brings voices from across the U.S. political spectrum and mirrors the American people’s desire for stable ties. He urged Washington to:
- Gain an accurate understanding of the Chinese mainland
- Approach differences rationally
- Explore cooperation for stable, healthy, and sustainable growth
“China and the U.S. are partners, not adversaries,” Wang said, stressing the importance of enhanced dialogue to avoid misconceptions and confrontation while expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across trade, technology, and climate.
On the sensitive Taiwan question, Wang reaffirmed that it is an internal matter of China and underscored that safeguarding peace in the Taiwan Strait requires firm opposition to “Taiwan secessionists.”
With expectations high on both sides, this ice-breaking visit could set the stage for more high-level exchanges and a roadmap to defuse tensions. Will this diplomatic spark lead to a broader thaw?
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Wang Yi calls U.S. lawmakers' visit an 'ice-breaking journey'
cgtn.com
