Rep. Mike Haridopolos, a Florida Republican and member of the House Financial Services Committee, stated Thursday that the United States seeks a “level playing field” with China during President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Haridopolos spoke ahead of Trump’s remarks at an official state banquet in Beijing, emphasizing that China does not adhere to international standards on environmental and labor laws. He argued that American companies must compete in Chinese markets without relinquishing intellectual property or proprietary technology.
“We can’t have free trade unless we have fair trade,” Haridopolos said. “We should not have to give up our national secrets as a company in order to do business in China.”
The congressman noted China’s economic progress since Richard Nixon’s 1970s visit but stressed that the country must now follow international rules more closely. “This terrible situation in Iran can be helped if the Chinese step up and let Iran know they’re not going to be allowed to close international waterways vital to our global economy,” he added.
Haridopolos also criticized China’s Belt and Road Initiative for causing debt burdens in participating nations, accusing Beijing of exploiting unfair labor conditions, pollution, and stealing American technological secrets. He asserted that whatever President Xi Jinping says today matters, but his actions must align with fair trade practices.
The remarks came as Haridopolos highlighted the U.S. readiness to strengthen economic ties with China if it committed to fair and reciprocal treatment.
