Senator Schumer: China Showed No Sympathy for Israel

Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader in the U.S. Senate, stated that during a bipartisan congressional delegation's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, there was a "serious interaction," adding that he was "frustrated" by China's lack of sympathy for Israel. The purpose of the delegation, led by Senator Schumer, was to discuss U.S. economic interests and national security ahead of a potential meeting between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden next month. The U.S. and China have disagreements over issues including Taiwan, fentanyl trade, and human rights. President Biden has taken steps to limit China's access to sensitive U.S. technologies while also seeking to keep communication channels open with the country. Senator Schumer mentioned in a session at the residence of Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador in Beijing, that China's behavior seemed different compared to previous meetings with U.S. officials. Last week, the U.S. imposed restrictions on Chinese companies and individuals to target fentanyl trafficking. Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that can be highly addictive and is often found in drugs like heroin and cocaine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously called on dozens of countries to cooperate in combating drugs, but China, which Washington blames for the addiction epidemic, did not agree to cooperate. Senator Schumer and other senators present at the meeting pressured Chinese officials on this issue and requested that President Xi appoint a senior official to address the fentanyl matter. According to them, Chinese officials stated they would consider this request. Republican Senator Mike Crapo also said that the meeting was "significantly" successful. Senator Schumer had earlier asked Xi Jinping to support Israel following the deadly Hamas attacks and expressed frustration that Beijing showed no sympathy for Israel. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged "involved parties" to end hostilities and supported the "two-state solution" approach. Senator Schumer is also scheduled to visit South Korea and Japan. During his visit to Beijing, Senator Schumer urged China to stand by Israel. A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Senate is traveling to China, Japan, and South Korea. The United States condemned the life imprisonment sentence for a detained Uyghur researcher in China. A journalist and a labor activist in China were tried after two years of detention.