Politics · Singapore Bureau
US Republican urges Trump to take hardline stance with Xi
A senior Republican congressman has called on President Donald Trump to adopt a firm negotiating position ahead of his planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, cautioning against any major concessions to Beijing.
LSN Singapore ·
WASHINGTON — The Republican chair of the US House Select Committee on China has urged President Trump to maintain a tough stance during his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, warning against significant policy retreats.
The congressman cautioned that any agreement should include stricter controls on technology transfers to China and consequences for what he characterised as Beijing's support for Iran's nuclear and military programmes. His comments, made on Friday, signal hardline Republican sentiment ahead of the high-stakes diplomatic engagement.
The warning reflects ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, and geopolitical influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Republicans have consistently pushed for a more confrontational approach to China policy, citing concerns over intellectual property theft, military expansion, and strategic competition.
The timing of the remarks underscores the significance both nations are placing on the upcoming summit, which represents a critical opportunity to manage bilateral relations at a time of elevated global tensions. How Trump responds to these calls for a hardline approach could shape the trajectory of US-China relations and have ripple effects across the region.