Larsen Statement on Chinese President Hu's Visit to the United States

Washington, DC, January 18, 2011

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement about Chinese President Hu’s visit to the United States. Larsen is the co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group (USCWG).
"The US-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Both nation’s face a number of challenges and opportunities moving forward. It is critical that Congress, and the rest of the world, sees results during the summit between Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Obama, particularly regarding North Korea and economic issues.

“The U.S and China play key roles in ensuring peace and stability in Asia. Both countries must continue to work to keep the Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons. In particular, China must do all it can to ensure North Korea renounces its recent provocative actions and takes immediate steps to eliminate its nuclear weapons program.

“Economically, the U.S. and China must continue to work together to improve access to the Chinese market for U.S. companies. At the top of the list is breaking the link between Chinese government procurement and domestic innovation. This puts U.S. companies at a disadvantage and unfairly tilts the playing field toward domestic Chinese companies. China must move forward on protecting intellectual property rights. Last year, the US software industry lost $8 billion as a result of China's lack of IPR protection, translating to as many as 60,000 U.S. jobs lost. Additionally, Congress will need to see continued appreciation in the value of the RMB. The Chinese currency has appreciated about 3 percent against the US dollar since June 19 – positive movement that must continue.

“There is also great distrust within Congress of the Chinese PLA. Only through sustained and consistent military-to-military dialogue can this distrust be reduced. I am happy to see the resumption of the U.S. and China military – to-military relationship, and was pleased with Secretary Gates’ visit to China last week.

“The U.S. is committed to our relationships in the Pacific region, and look forward to working with our Chinese counterparts and our allies in the region to ensure the principles of regional stability, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded commerce under lawful conditions are respected.

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