(MENAFN) A group of Democratic senators has cautioned President Donald Trump not to make concessions that could jeopardize national security during his upcoming talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

In a letter sent to the president ahead of Thursday’s meeting, the lawmakers urged him to protect core US interests and avoid trading away key safeguards. They warned against offering concessions on export controls or investment restrictions in exchange for what they described as “empty promises and illusory wins."

"Ahead of your meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday, we write to urge you not to negotiate away America and our allies’ national security. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a fundamental threat to U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and global leadership," the senators wrote.

The lawmakers voiced concern over several recent administration actions, including the easing of export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) chips that could enhance China’s military technology, such as autonomous weapons and intelligence systems. They also cited reports alleging that the White House discouraged Taiwan’s president from passing through the US and failed to fully enforce restrictions on TikTok’s operations.

"America’s export controls, investment safeguards, and our longstanding security partnerships must not be on the negotiating table," the letter said.

The senators further called on Trump to maintain the strength of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and to uphold the Treasury Department’s Outbound Investment Security Program, which prevents US firms from aiding sensitive technology development in nations seen as threats.

"You have expressed confidence that you will leave South Korea this week with a 'really fair and really great trade deal.' We urge you to understand that any deal that sacrifices America or our allies’ national security is neither," the lawmakers concluded.

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