Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement today about President Hu Jintao’s visit to Seattle and the United States:

“I was pleased that President Hu visited Washington State as part of his state visit,” said Smith. “China and the Northwest are significant trading partners and this relationship holds many benefits for Washington State’s businesses and workers alike. Pursuing a mutually beneficial partnership with China is an important aspect of our efforts to further broad-based economic development.

There are many areas in which the United States and China have a clear and shared interest. By working together to address nuclear issues with North Korea and Iran and by working on critically important environmental matters, I believe we can pave the way for a more peaceful and stable world.

While I am pleased with the ongoing and deep relationship with China, I also understand that there are matters that present challenges.  For example, I believe that China must make real progress toward complying with international trade obligations, including intellectual property rights, and currency valuations. I’m also concerned about China’s record on human rights.

I’m optimistic that our two nations will continue to build upon the successes of our relationship and work towards mutually beneficial solutions to the issues that we face.”