Senate Democrats Urge Trump Not to Ease China Security Restrictions in Trade Negotiations

Ahead of President Donald Trump's scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a coalition of Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer has urged him not to compromise U.S. national security protections in trade negotiations. They emphasized that export controls, investment safeguards, and longstanding security partnerships must remain intact and warned against any relaxation of the Treasury Department’s Outbound Investment Security Program, which limits U.S. firms from contributing to sensitive technology developments in rival nations including China. The lawmakers also called on Trump to reject any attempts by Beijing to secure a formal U.S. opposition to Taiwanese independence. These warnings reflect growing concern in Washington about potential political pressures on Trump to soften restrictions on technology transfers to China amid ongoing tensions in trade, defense, and supply chains. Market observers are closely watching for any indications that export controls or investment rules might be eased as part of a broader trade agreement. Overall, the Democrats' message underscores a strong resistance to compromising national security interests in pursuit of a deal with China.