Trump-Xi Summit Puts US-China Policy Under Senate Spotlight

President Donald Trump’s engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping has triggered a sharp debate in the US Senate, with lawmakers divided over trade, artificial intelligence, human rights and religious freedom.

Republicans have highlighted the importance of dialogue, while Democratic senators have questioned whether Washington is securing sufficient commitments from Beijing.

Republican Senator Steve Daines welcomed the summit, saying constructive engagement between Trump and Xi was important as the United States and China remain major military powers and competitors in artificial intelligence.

He also pointed to discussions between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on trade, AI and Iran.

Daines said the US should continue leading in advanced AI capabilities while paying close attention to China’s progress in adopting the technology.

He also described the US-China relationship as too significant to fail and said Xi’s reception in Washington reflected the importance of maintaining engagement.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, however, offered a different assessment. He criticised Trump’s approach, arguing that the administration had accepted limited Chinese commitments on agricultural purchases and critical minerals. Wyden also raised concerns about China’s supply of rare-earth materials used by US manufacturers.

The summit renewed scrutiny of China’s human-rights record, with Senator Jeff Merkley raising concerns over alleged transnational repression of critics, activists and diaspora communities.

Senators Chuck Grassley, Ted Budd and Tim Kaine urged Trump to press Xi over detained religious minorities in China, including Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, Uyghur Muslims and Falun Gong practitioners.

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