Sen. Jerry Moran returns from China, urges better dialogue and trade gains for Kansas farmers

Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran has returned from a bipartisan trip to China, saying meetings with top Chinese officials centered on trade, national security and the future of U.S.-China relations. Moran traveled to Beijing on Thursday, May 7, alongside U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, Maria Cantwell and Deb Fischer, ahead of an expected summit next week between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Moran, the delegation’s discussions ranged from fentanyl precursors and supply chain security to the overall state of trade between the two countries. He said one of his main priorities was improving communication while advocating for Kansas agriculture.

“There was a broad message about the need for us to communicate better, to develop better relationships, to try to ease the circumstances in the world that our two countries face,” Sen. Moran said. “What we hope to have happen from the President, the two presidents’ negotiations include some things that could be very beneficial to Kansas farmers and ranchers.” The senators also pressed for expanded access in China for more U.S.

agricultural products, including wheat, beef, soybeans and sorghum—key staples of Kansas farming. Moran said those conversations are especially important as many Kansas farmers continue to face economic challenges. He added that the hoped-for outcomes from the leaders’ negotiations would include openings that strengthen Kansas exports and provide relief to producers at home.