U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced on May 4 that he is leading a bipartisan group of five senators on a visit to China this week. The trip will include meetings with Chinese officials and visits to technology businesses in Shanghai and Beijing.
The purpose of the visit is to gain insight into China’s innovation ecosystem, which Daines said is essential for the United States as it competes globally. “In order to effectively compete with China, we need to understand China’s innovation ecosystem, which is why I am glad to be here with my colleagues. With the United States and China making up 40 percent of the total world economy, engaging the Chinese is vital to maintaining U.S. competitiveness globally,” said Daines.
Daines brings experience from both public service and private industry; he previously spent thirteen years in management at Procter & Gamble, including six years launching American brands in China. He currently serves as a U.S. senator representing Montana and has made six prior trips to China since being elected, according to his official website.
The delegation includes Senators Maria Cantwell, Deb Fischer, Mike Lee, and Jerry Moran. As reported by his official website, Daines focuses on assisting Montanans with federal matters while advocating for jobs in energy, mining, and forestry sectors. He also supports public safety initiatives and economic opportunities for Montana’s Indian nations according to his official website.
Daines advances pro-growth tax policies through committee roles and promotes sustainable forest management according to his official website. As a fifth-generation Montanan with deep roots in the state who maintains offices across Montana according to his official website, Daines said this engagement aims at maintaining U.S. competitiveness.
