02.10.17

Gardner, Sullivan React to President Trump’s Conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statements today in reaction to President Trump’s phone call yesterday evening with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I am encouraged by President Trump’s recent discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where President Trump reaffirmed the United States’ recognition of the ‘One China’ policy,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Congress has a long history of involvement on this issue, including the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979. Going forward, the Congress and the Trump administration, working together, should focus on strengthening our existing alliances in the Asia-Pacific, establishing new ones and reigniting America’s economic and military strength in the region.”

“I am glad that President Trump spoke with President Xi Jinping and discussed U.S.-China policy and cross-strait relations,” said Senator Gardner. “The U.S.-China relationship is perhaps the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship and I hope that our two nations will have a constructive relationship, but one that does not jeopardize U.S. interests or the interests of our allies. The United States should continue to meet its legally-binding commitments to our friend and ally Taiwan, as enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act, and take determined steps against China’s aggression in the East and South China Seas, including routine enforcement of our navigation and overflight rights in the global commons. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to strengthen our partnerships and U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.”

###