Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with U.S. Senator Steve Daines and some American business people, who are here to attend the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

"The US and China have stepped up diplomatic efforts" - US Senator Steve Daines' China trip, the first time a US high-level politician has visited China since President Donald Trump's second term, has drawn attention globally in recent days. Speaking to the media after a series of meetings with the Chinese side, Daines said the meetings were "productive" and that he would like to arrange a bipartisan delegation of US senators to China later this year. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said China welcomes more members of US Congress and American people from all walks of life to visit China so as to learn about China in a more objective way and play a constructive role for the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations.

There are two major backgrounds for Daines' visit. On the one hand, in terms of identity, public opinion generally noted his work experience in China, as well as his close relations with Trump. With no high-level meetings between the two counties since the new US administration took office, Daines is believed to have "cast himself as a go-between."

On the other hand, Daines' visit to China coincides with the annual meeting of the China Development Forum (CDF) 2025, at which representatives from a number of US companies were present. It also takes place before a possible new round of US tariffs: Washington is said to be imposing "reciprocal tariffs" from early April on its trading partners around the world.

One intriguing detail is that Daines appeared at the CDF 2025 and chatted with several executives of US companies, which in itself is seen as a positive sign.

At the forum, executives of large multinational companies, such as Apple, BMW and Siemens, have expressed a clear attitude of being optimistic about the Chinese market and embracing win-win cooperation. It is believed that Daines, who also attended the event, has already felt a strong atmosphere of cooperation with China and a strong willingness to deepen cooperation from the business community of various countries.

In addition, executives of nearly 30 US companies, including Apple and Blackstone, attended the CDF, becoming the most from a foreign country. This clears up previous doubts about US companies' attendance at this year's event and reflects the solid foundation of common interests that exists objectively between China and the US. Hopefully, Daines will bring back what he saw and heard in China to Washington in a real and comprehensive way.

Foreign media have noted that near the end of his visit, Daines raised the issue of fentanyl when speaking to the media, once again linking it to the matter of tariffs. This demonstrates the US side's urgent desire to address the fentanyl problem but also highlights that it has yet to find the right approach. China, acting in good faith, has provided various forms of assistance to help the US tackle the fentanyl crisis, but it is US' political manipulation that has disrupted normal bilateral cooperation. Weaponizing tariffs, moreover, will backfire on the US like a boomerang. Countries around the world face many challenges and pressures, and it is only through cooperation that China and the US can solve difficult problems, achieve practical outcomes and accomplish major goals. The US needs to recognize this reality sooner or later.

Of course, how much influence Daines as a senator can exert on Washington's policy remains uncertain. However, the wave of innovation sweeping across China and the continued optimism from the international community about China's economy have underscored the necessity and mutual benefits of China-US cooperation. In addition to foreign businesses seeing opportunities in China, including American investors, foreign capital is also showing active interest in the Chinese market. Before his visit, Daines expressed hope for better trade relations between the US and China, noting that the US "could sell a whole lot more into China… That will help American jobs," and that the US needs "better access" to the Chinese market. Regardless of how he defines "better," the underlying logic is clearly not about a lose-lose confrontation. China's development not only provides powerful momentum for the country's own economic transformation and upgrading but also creates greater opportunities for relevant US enterprises and investors - a fact that is evident.

Despite the ups and downs in China-US relations, history has consistently shown that cooperation and exchanges between the two countries are not only in the fundamental interests of their peoples but also an essential safeguard for global stability and development. Therefore, the signals of communication, dialogue and cooperation mentioned above are undoubtedly crucial. They serve as necessary speed bumps to prevent China-US relations from descending into systemic confrontation. They also offer opportunities for fruitful cooperation between the two sides in areas where they can cooperate. All sides are watching closely whether the US will be able to meet China halfway and engage in candid communication, build mutual trust and resolve misunderstandings based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

China welcomes more American visitors, as this is a practical path toward breaking down misunderstandings and building trust. As demonstrated by the China visits of business leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Blackstone CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, the attitude toward China should focus more on pragmatism and rationality than competition and confrontation as well as on increasing areas of cooperation rather than fixating solely on conflicts. These figures clearly understand the importance of China's prosperity and stability to the global economy.

We also welcome more US lawmakers and people from all walks of life to visit China and see things for themselves. Such direct engagement is far more effective in reducing prejudice and fostering mutual understanding than shouting from afar. Only through sustained dialogue and in-depth exchanges can both sides find ways to properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.