U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) was selected on Monday as a co-chairman of the U.S.-China Working Group, a bipartisan group that strives to build and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.
LaHood will co-chair the U.S.-China Working Group alongside U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA). LaHood and Larsen will work with the State Department, congressional leadership, academics and business leaders to draft and execute diplomatic strategies.
“I am thankful for this leadership opportunity to strengthen the working relationship between China and America,” LaHood said. “While our two countries do not always see eye-to-eye, I hope we can continue to work together to address our respective concerns for the betterment of our countries and our citizens. As the United States’ third largest export market and biggest source of imports, China is the second largest overall U.S. trading partner. Over time our economies, and our welfare, have become inevitably intertwined. I believe this forum of frank discussions between our two counties will facilitate increased cooperation.”
The U.S.-China Working Group addresses a vast range of issues, including trade, economic policy, space exploration and military cooperation.
Caterpillar, one of the largest businesses operating in central Illinois, acknowledged the importance of the U.S.-China Working Group and thanked LaHood for his participation.
“Caterpillar thanks Congressman LaHood for his leadership on issues impacting our business and our employees in central Illinois,” Kathryn Karol, the vice president of global government and corporate affairs at Caterpillar, said. “Having operated in the China market for more than 40 years, Caterpillar has long appreciated the efforts of the USCWG to strengthen relations between the US and China. We’re pleased that Congressman LaHood has joined with Congressman Larsen to lead this group at a critical time.”