From August 4 to 6, Minister Xu Xueyuan of the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. visited the state of Tennessee. During the visit, she met with Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Senator Steve Southerland respectively. She also addressed the luncheon with the Tennessee business community and attended the dinner with local Chinese community. Minister Xu was accompanied by Counselor Xu Min for the visit.

During her visit, Minister Xu made briefings on China-U.S. relations and pointed out that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. History has proven that both China and the United States benefit from cooperation and lose in confrontation. China and the U.S. are deeply intertwined in their economic and trade relations. Increasing tariffs or “decoupling” their economies will only hurt both sides. It is hoped that the U.S. side will meet China halfway and implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, so as to push forward a relationship based on coordination, cooperation and stability.

Minister Xu emphasized that recent years have witnessed rapid development of practical cooperation between Tennessee and China as their industries are complementary with each other with huge potential for cooperation. China is ready to make good use of China-U.S. Governors Forum, Sister Cities Conference, Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum and other mechanisms and further strengthen communication and cooperation with Tennessee in such areas as trade, education, culture and tourism, with a view to improving the well-being of the two peoples.

Tennessee leaders and representatives from various sectors stated that the U.S.-China relationship is consequential to both countries and the world. The American people, including Tennessee people, are eager to learn about the time-honored history and culture of China and happy to be friends of the Chinese people. They hoped that the trade dispute between the two countries would be resolved soon so that a good environment will be provided for the cooperation between Tennessee and China. Tennessee welcomes more Chinese investment and is ready to enhance people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation in all areas.

Minister Xu affirmed the contribution made by overseas Chinese in Tennessee in promoting understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two sides, and encouraged them to actively integrate into the local community, and make more efforts to bridge and promote the bilateral relationship.

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During her visit in Tennessee, Minister Xu was invited to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures Summit held in Tennessee and delivered a speech at the Executive Committee Meeting. She also exchanged views with legislators from various U.S. States on China-U.S. relations, trade and other issues.