The letter, dated Thursday and signed by six trade groups representing major facets of the U.S. auto industry, urged Donald Trump to "maintain policies that firmly prevent Chinese automakers from selling, importing, or manufacturing vehicles within the United States." This follows Trump's statement on September 11 on Fox News that he would agree if China wanted to build factories in the U.S. to produce cars. The letter emphasized that the auto industry is a pillar of advanced manufacturing and the defense industrial base in the U.S., and once this foundation is hollowed out, it cannot be rebuilt overnight. The letter was sent ahead of Trump's anticipated visit to Washington D.C. next week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.