Trump ally Senator Steve Daines to lead bipartisan delegation to Chinabipartisan delegation to China ahead of May summit
US Senator Steve Daines, a close ally of President Donald Trump, will lead a bipartisan delegation to China starting May 1, visiting Shanghai and Beijing. The trip, planned since last year but delayed from March, focuses on China's infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, including a high-speed rail ride. It comes as the US increases pressure on Beijing over trade, technology, and ties to Iran before the Trump-Xi summit on May 14-15.
This visit signals ongoing high-level US-China engagement amid tensions, with the Iran war potentially complicating discussions on global trade and security. The delegation's bipartisan nature underscores efforts to build dialogue despite competition in areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan. Outcomes could influence bilateral relations ahead of the leaders' meeting.
US Perspective
Senator Daines's trip highlights US interest in China's infrastructure and innovation while applying pressure on trade, technology, and Iran's ties. It precedes the Trump-Xi summit, where the ongoing Iran war and its trade impacts top the agenda. Bipartisan participation aims to foster frank dialogue on flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
- Montana, Daines's home state, ranks first in U.S. wheat exports to China.
- Daines co-founded RightNow Technologies, selling it to Oracle for $1.5 billion in 2011.
- Shanghai-Beijing high-speed rail spans 1,318 km, cutting travel time from 12 to 4.5 hours.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
