Fischer in Omaha World-Herald: I recently got back from China. Here's how I advocated for Nebraska.

In case you missed it: In the Omaha World-Herald, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) detailed her recent official trip to China, during which she advocated for market access and the removal of non-tariff barriers for Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

Read the full piece here or key excerpts below.

"Last week, I returned from an official congressional delegation trip to China. Four of my Senate colleagues and I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai to foster productive relationships with foreign leaders and advocate for American - and Nebraskan - interests. We met with several top Chinese officials: Premier Li Qiang, National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

"During these meetings, we talked about curbing the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, stability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian foreign minister's recent visit to China, supply chain security, rare earth minerals, artificial intelligence, and the basic importance of keeping direct lines of communication open between our two governments.

"But let me tell you what was most on my mind while in Asia: Nebraska. That's why we brought up market access and non-tariff barriers for Nebraska farmers and ranchers who are being shut out of one of the largest consumer markets on earth.

"The Chinese beef market - the biggest in the world outside the United States - has been closed to American producers for over a year. Foreign Minister Yi told us that China has the demand for beef, and the United States can provide it. Now, they need to follow through. …

"We also need to see more progress on stopping the flow of fentanyl. Premier Li has been open to working on this issue, and we made sure he knew how serious of a priority this is for us. Chinese authorities are beginning to cooperate more meaningfully to disrupt the pipeline that sends precursor chemicals from China to Mexico and ultimately into American communities. It is not enough yet. But it is movement, and we will keep pushing."

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