Cedar Rapids Today

Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson expressed her disapproval on Twitter of the Biden Administration's decision to engage in talks with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) despite the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Over the past month, the United States has entered into multiple discussions with the CCP.

"Part two of the Biden Administration’s Beijing appeasement tour. The era of failed diplomacy must end – we need to force the CCP to change their behavior instead of bending over backwards to appease them," Hinson tweeted.

On June 18, Secretary of State Antony Blinken went to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping and other officials, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited last week. John Kerry was also scheduled to visit this weekend for climate talks, according to CNN.

"Like Secretary Blinken, I came to Beijing to deliver on President Biden’s directive to deepen bilateral communications after his meeting with President Xi last November," said Yellen in a statement, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. "My objective during this trip has been to establish and deepen relationships with the new economic leadership team in place in Beijing. Our discussions are part of a broader concerted effort to stabilize the relationship, reduce the risk of misunderstanding, and discuss areas of cooperation."

Yellen's visit included a wide range of discussions, covering significant subjects like economic competition, national security, human rights and global issues, including the pressing issue of climate change. She held meetings with influential figures including Premier Li, Vice Premier He and Finance Minister Liu, among other officials, according to the press release.

Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, traveled to China over the weekend of July 14 to engage in discussions with Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Climate Envoy. The purpose of their meeting was to explore potential partnerships in addressing the ongoing climate crisis, according to CNN.

Hinson did not appreciate the tenor of the meetings.

"China is the world’s worst polluter – Biden’s Beijing appeasement tour continues with John Kerry’s visit," said Hinson in a tweet. "We need to stand up to the CCP, not reward continued bad behavior."

Yellen, however, appeared more optimistic about finding a path forward.

"Let me end by saying this: navigating the contours of the relationship between the United States and China is no easy task. But we must never forget that, despite the challenges, our path is not predestined," said Yellen in a statement, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. "...I believe that our two countries must make the right choice for our people and the world: one that advances our shared interest for peace and prosperity."