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Bipartisan Push Against Chinese Auto Access in Trump-Xi Negotiations

Lawmakers from both parties are urging the White House to keep the U.S. automotive market off the negotiating table during this week's talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The pressure follows Trump's January remarks at the Detroit Economic Club suggesting he could permit Chinese automakers to establish U.S. manufacturing operations with American workers. Those comments, later walked back, sparked alarm among legislators representing auto-dependent regions.

Politicians in battleground states including Michigan and Ohio warn that allowing subsidized Chinese automakers market entry could devastate domestic manufacturing employment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and next presidential race.

Stephen Ezell, a vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, cautions that Chinese automakers gaining a foothold would threaten jobs, factories and entire communities across the Rust Belt. The debate carries significant political stakes as both parties compete to demonstrate toughness on China and commitment to protecting American manufacturing.