Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, released the following statement today in response to comments from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the U.S.-China relationship:

“Our relationship with China will be the most important diplomatic relationship of the 21st century.  I applaud Secretary of State Clinton’s comments on the value of continuing and expanding high-level conversations on critical issues to both of our nations.  Positive engagement is necessary even while challenges exist.

“It is my view that the Bush administration can claim credit for establishing a positive economic dialogue with China, but its efforts were not as coordinated as they could have been. Moving forward, a more comprehensive dialogue on a wider range of issues would be in the best interest of the American people.   

“In the coming years, our relationship with China faces significant challenges and presents tremendous opportunities. China has played a positive role in six-party talks and has the potential to be a productive partner in the developing world.

“I look forward to working with the Obama Administration and my colleagues in Congress to give our relationship with China the attention it deserves.”

The bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group educates Members of Congress on U.S.-China issues through meetings and briefings with academic, business and political leaders from the United States and China.

###