Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he covered a range of issues during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hopes for “cooperation and fair competition” between the countries.

“Our delegation made clear that America is not seeking a confrontation with China, but we will remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting stability in the region, freedom, and democratic principles, and vigorously defend our values around the world,” Schumer said in a statement following the meeting.

Among the issues raised include “a level playing field for American businesses and workers as well as responsible competition,” trade issues between the two nations and efforts to curb the arrival of fentanyl in the United States. Schumer said he also pushed — and China subsequently strengthened — a statement condemning the weekend’s terror attacks in Israel.

Context: Schumer is leading a bipartisan trip to the region with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Kennedy (R-La.). There are hopes the trip may build momentum toward a meeting between Xi and President Joe Biden.

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