Washington, April 17 (NationPress) The United States is pursuing a more structured and equitable trade relationship with China. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer informed lawmakers that Washington's goal is to lessen reliance on Beijing while preventing tensions from escalating between the two major economic powers.

During a testimony before a congressional committee, Greer stated that the tariff strategy implemented by the Trump administration has started to alter trade patterns, especially with China, which remains vital to US economic and national security interests.

“The US goods trade deficit has diminished by 24 percent… with a reduction of over 30 percent specifically with China, indicating our shift towards diversification,” he noted.

Greer characterized the administration's aim as one of maintaining stability while promoting reciprocity in trade.

“We desire an outcome that fosters balanced trade with China and a managed trade relationship… to avoid unexpected developments, prevent escalation, and guarantee that the trading relationship serves the interests of Americans,” he stated.

Simultaneously, he emphasized that Washington will persist in urging Beijing to improve market access and fulfill purchasing commitments. The US is aiming for an increase in Chinese imports of American products, including agricultural items, aircraft, and medical devices, while also ensuring access to essential supplies like rare-earth minerals.

“We need to ensure continuous access to the rare earth minerals that much of the world depends on China for,” Greer added, highlighting the strategic significance of supply chains.

Concerns regarding China’s role in supplying precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl were also raised during the hearing. Greer mentioned that the US has utilized tariffs as leverage to encourage Beijing to restrict these exports, noting that this issue is consistently addressed in bilateral discussions.

“Whenever we engage with the Chinese… we request them to manage not just fentanyl, but also the precursor substances,” he remarked, acknowledging that while there has been “incremental progress,” much work remains.

This issue is anticipated to play a significant role in the forthcoming discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Greer indicated aim to maintain stability in the bilateral relationship while advancing US interests.

Lawmakers from both parties recognized China’s pivotal role in shaping US trade policy.

Republicans largely endorsed the administration’s strategy, asserting that it has bolstered domestic manufacturing and decreased dependence on Chinese imports.

Conversely, Democrats cautioned that tariffs have inflicted considerable costs on American consumers and businesses, creating uncertainty in global markets. They also questioned whether the strategy has yielded the promised benefits in terms of jobs and industrial output.