US Commerce Secretary: "Encourage Trade with China, but Must Block Military Technology"

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated on the 25th (local time) that economic relations with China can be expanded in industries that do not pose a threat to national security. However, she emphasized that exports of technology contributing to China's military buildup will continue to be controlled.

During a Wilson Center discussion held in Washington, D.C. that day, Secretary Raimondo said about relations with China, "We should trade and encourage trade with China wherever possible. But we must protect the areas that need to be safeguarded."

She explained, "Shanghai Disneyland is growing tremendously, and Starbucks is opening new stores in China every day," adding, "Selling coffee and health and beauty products to China does not pose a national security risk and creates jobs in the U.S." However, she pointed out, "We must protect what needs to be protected," and "We must remain vigilant about the threats and strategic competition from China."

Secretary Raimondo emphasized that the U.S. must cooperate with allies to prevent China from acquiring technologies it desires to develop its military capabilities. She also added that investment in strengthening U.S. competitiveness is necessary. She is scheduled to visit China this summer as part of the recent resumption of high-level U.S.-China communications, although specific details have not yet been finalized.

The discussion that day focused on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a multilateral economic cooperation body led by the U.S. with participation from 14 countries including South Korea, Japan, Australia, and India. Secretary Raimondo also stated that she aims to finalize the entire IPEF agreement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in San Francisco this November.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.