Beijing (TDI): A delegation of United States House members, led by Representative Adam Smith, visited Beijing on Sunday, discussing a potential agreement for China to purchase up to 500 Boeing jets, among other things.
The visit, which is both rare and an attempt to break the ice, comes after a direct phone call between President Trump and President Xi, on Friday.
While TikTok deal seems to be the most pressing issue between the two countries, other matters also keep surfacing as both sides navigate tariff terms in periodical round of talks in third countries.
A finalized TikTok deal is not out yet but the visiting delegation said a Boeing deal is almost complete. If finalized, it would be Boeing’s first substantial sale to China since the Trump administration, ending a period of stalled orders due to strained bilateral relations.
According to US Ambassador to China, David Purdue, the negotiations are nearing completion, with the deal considered “very important” to President Trump.
Read More:Â Rare US House Members’ China Visit After Trump-Xi Phone Call
Talking in a press briefing at the US Embassy in Beijing, Representative Smith said, “It’s been a while since Boeing airplanes have been sold here in China. We’d like to get that deal done.”
The delegation’s visit is notable as it is the first official House visit to China since 2019, hinting a potential thaw in diplomatic tensions. In addition to trade discussions, lawmakers addressed issues relating to defense and security.
Boeing is one of the United States’ largest exporters and over the years, a quarter of its sales were made to China. But since Trump’s first term in office, no significant purchase deals could be materialized.
Earlier, upon arrival, the delegation met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, on Sunday.
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