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Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, told Newsmax on Friday that she was “hopeful” the U.S. under President Donald Trump will sign “a better trade deal for American farmers” with China.

Appearing on “National Report,” Hinson said Iowa producers and farmers have been closely watching Trump’s high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, viewing the talks as critical to restoring stronger trade access after what she described as years of weakness under former President Joe Biden.

“I think the engagement is happening. President Trump knows the art of the deal,” Hinson told co-hosts Ed Hill and Kyle Lowder. “I know they had some very intense conversations while he was there.”

Hinson emphasized that Iowa’s agriculture industry depends heavily on global exports and said China remains one of the most important overseas markets for American farmers.

“We do need to make sure we have access to markets around the world,” she said. “No new trade deals under President Biden. So I’m hopeful we’re able to ink a better trade deal for American farmers and for Iowa’s producers with President Xi.”

Trump’s Beijing trip produced several major economic announcements, including reported Chinese commitments to purchase Boeing aircraft, American soybeans, and beef products.

The administration has framed the summit as part of a broader effort to rebalance U.S.-China trade while protecting American manufacturing and supply chains.

Hinson, who serves on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, cautioned that the United States must remain realistic about Beijing’s long-term ambitions despite the improved rhetoric coming from both sides.

“We have to go into this knowing how they’ve operated,” Hinson said. “They’ve definitely tried to not operate within the norms.”

She pointed to China’s stated goal of becoming the world’s dominant superpower by 2049 and warned against blindly trusting the CCP’s promises.

“What they have said in the past clearly shows that they want to be the global superpower,” Hinson said.

Still, she argued that both countries ultimately benefit from economic cooperation, especially given the massive size of both consumer markets.

“The Chinese also need access to the American market,” Hinson said. “I think that a mutual relationship going forward is really in both countries’ best interests.”

Hinson also highlighted concerns about China’s growing investments in artificial intelligence and advanced technology, warning that the U.S. must reduce regulatory barriers to remain competitive.

“We need to make sure we get out of our own way so we can lead that front on AI,” she said. “That is also the military side and making sure we can still be the world’s dominant superpower here in the United States.”