Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) recently issued a statement regarding House and Senate leaders meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip to the U.S., as well as noting the impact China has on Illinois' trade market.

"This has been a historic week for the United States, and today I joined congressional leaders to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss common goals for our two nations," Kirk said. "Though we face challenges, our friendship with China is the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. China is Illinois’ third-largest trade market, with our state exporting more than $6 billion in goods to China last year alone. As co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, I remain committed to strengthening our trade agreements and collaborating on sister museums and sister schools to enhance both our countries.”

The bipartisan group meets with Chinese officials who visit the U.S. and hosts regular briefings for members and staff with academic, business and political leaders to discuss the latest in U.S.-China relations. The group also has led several trips to China for members and staff that have focused on a variety of issues, including trade, energy, the environment, aerospace, military-to-military relations and manufacturing.