WASHINGTON, DC - In case you missed it, during a recent interview on Cavuto: Coast to Coast Congressman Warren Davidson spoke about his delegation trip to China where he and other members of the Financial Services Committee met with top Chinese officials about trade.
Davidson has been a leading voice in the House on trade. He's pushed for using targeted economic sanctions against bad actors, and said that any trade practices we use should have a free trade outcome. He said Ohio's Eighth District is uniquely made up agriculture and manufacturing where the issue of trade is top of mind.
Click here to watch interview.
Trade is top of mind in Ohio's Eighth District.
"Well I think everyone’s concerned. I spent all of August meeting with people around the Eighth District of Ohio. Frankly, for companies across the board including farmers, very top of mind is where we’re headed with trade. As you mentioned, I just returned with a congressional delegation, three republicans and two democrats, to meet with Chinese leadership about trade."
If the Chinese feel they can try to divide us, with respect to China, the underlying message is that America stands united with concern about China. Beneath that, there does seem to be a desire, whether Chinese or American, to come to an agreement.
"Well I think their [China's] official negotiating position is a position of strength, you know, we can outlast you. But behind that, I think there is a strong desire, whether Chinese or American, to come to an agreement. The big message is that if the Chinese feel that if there’s some chance they can separate the Congress, or, frankly either Party, from the President, with respect to China, America stands united with concern about China."
Davidson has communicated his position to officials at White House, saying he thinks economic sanctions could be more targeted than tariffs. He also says China needs to answer for not fulfilling its commitment to becoming a market economy.
"Well I’m supposed to meet with Peter Navarro soon to talk about that trip (to China) and the path forward about trade. Prior to coming to Congress, I spent 15 years building manufacturing companies and I know firsthand the problems that need addressed in this. But ever since I’ve been here, and certainly over the summer, we’re getting lots of feedback from across all sectors about how this path is affecting them and so we’re looking forward to finding opportunity."
"What I’ve communicated is that I think sanctions could be more targeted than tariffs. But when China joined the WTO, they committed to become a market economy. Zero countries have recognized China as a market economy. China needs to answer for that."
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