Gina Raimondo's Efforts to Strengthen Relations with China Amidst Strained Tensions over Technology and Taiwan
Gina Raimondo aims to improve US-China relations amidst growing concerns regarding technology and Taiwan Both countries express a mutual desire to stabilize their relationship, as stated by Raimondo during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour
In anticipation of crucial meetings next week between the United States and China, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo brushed off the idea of a military clash with China concerning Taiwan. Raimondo stated in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour that both countries share a commitment to stabilizing their relationship. Additionally, Raimondo emphasized that the international community expects the United States and China to act responsibly and effectively handle their relationship.
Raimondo acknowledged the intense competition with China, in line with President Joe Biden's stance that the United States seeks competition rather than outright hostility and conflict. She emphasized that open dialogue and direct talks are crucial to maintaining diplomatic relations between these two superpowers. Raimondo pointed out that US businesses perceive China as increasingly undesirable for investment due to factors such as its anti-espionage act, unpredictability in the business environment, and raids on American businesses. She expressed the need to provide China with an opportunity to respond and make necessary changes.
Raimondo emphasized that she has clearly conveyed to China that issues concerning national security, specifically the utilization of semiconductor chips for producing advanced weaponry, are non-negotiable. She asserted the necessity of employing all available means to ensure that our highly advanced semiconductor chips and artificial intelligence models do not fall into the possession of the Chinese military.
In the previous month, the Commerce Department introduced fresh regulations that impose restrictions on the sale of certain semiconductors by American companies to China. These rules add to the existing export controls that were implemented in October 2022.
"At the time, spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need for the US to refrain from politicizing and weaponizing trade and technology matters, as well as to cease disrupting global industrial and supply chains. We will closely monitor the situation and steadfastly protect our rights and interests."
However, Raimondo emphasizes that there are crucial elements of the economic alliance between the United States and China that warrant attention and dialogue. In her words, "Our trade association with China amounts to a whopping $700 billion, and an overwhelming 99% of that is unrelated to export controls."
Biden is scheduled to address various economic considerations in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, they will discuss matters pertaining to military communication, the climate crisis, and narcotics trafficking between the United States and China.
