Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy Xu Xueyuan Delivers a Keynote Speech at the CGCC-USA 2023 Lunar New Year of the Rabbit Gala
2023/01/20 22:03

On January 18, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy, Minister Xu Xueyuan was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA 2023 Lunar New Year of the Rabbit Gala. Nearly 400 guests attended the event, including Mr. Hu Wei, Chairman of CGCC-USA, President and CEO of Bank of China USA; Mr. Yuan Ning, Vice-Chair of CGCC-USA, Chairman and President of China Construction America, and other leaders of CGCC-USA; Ms. Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Mr. Max Baucus, former U.S. Ambassador to China; Mr. Raj Subramanian, President and CEO of FedEx; Mr. Robert Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands. Mr. Huang Ping, Chinese Consul General in New York, Mr. Lyu Jiang, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., were also present.

In her keynote speech, Ms. Xu congratulated Dr. Kissinger who was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" and fully recognized his outstanding contribution to the ice breaking and development of China-U.S. relations. Xu pointed out that China-U.S. economic and trade relations are coming to a critical crossroads. An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires a correct view of China's development. It was announced at the CPC’s 20th National Congress that China will advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization, and China will build a new development pattern and continue to pursue high-standard opening-up. As Chinese often say, "Dedicate yourself to the wellbeing of all when you are established." China's development will create conditions for the win-win cooperation between Chinese and American companies and inject impetus to the development of the world economy. An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires us to keep to the overall direction of bilateral relations. The two sides should implement the common understandings reached at the Bali meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden and engage more frequently and substantiate the dialogue with a sense of urgency, in a bid to enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation and show the world that dialogues can deliver. An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires an objective and rational view of our shared interests and an active expansion of bilateral trade and investment.

Xu said that "Respect and resilience", the theme of the Gala, is exactly what we need to overcome the difficulties in China-U.S. economic and trade relations. Mutual respect will lay the foundation for sound interactions between China and the United States. Our economic and trade cooperation should follow economic laws and abide by international economic and trade rules. Resilience will provide a guarantee for Chinese and American companies to build the future. As our two sides are moving forward against the odds, it is more necessary than ever to show the entrepreneurial spirit, forge ahead, meet the difficulties head on, never give up, and win the reputation and market with high-quality service and professional operation.

At the end , Xu said that the Chinese government substantially adjusted COVID-19 response measures and China has reopened. Entrepreneurs from both sides have resumed their business trips to each other's countries to meet clients and explore opportunities. It is hoped that that the CGCC-USA will continue to serve as a bridge for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and set an example of the win-win cooperation between our two countries.

Dr. Kissinger, who was conferred the "Lifetime Achievement Award", reviewed the ice-breaking exchanges between China and the U.S. in his video address. He said that more than 50 years ago, leaders of the two countries overcame their differences through dialogue and made the right choice that meets the interests of the two peoples. As countries with differences in culture and other aspects, the United States and China still have some concerns about each other today. The meeting between Presidents Biden and President Xi Jinping in Bali last year raised positive expectations for the future of the relationship. We must make real efforts, not only to strengthen dialogue and communication, but also to deeply understand the responsibilities shared by the two countries. The U.S. and China need to realize that neither side can be defeated, avoid tension and build a bilateral relationship of peaceful coexistence.

Other guests at the meeting stated that a constructive U.S.-China relationship is very important to the well-being of the two peoples and world peace and stability. Chinese and Americans are hard-working and great people, and both have the entrepreneurial spirit of doing business. The United States appreciates the positive contributions made by Chinese-funded enterprises to the development and prosperity of American states, and welcomes Chinese-funded enterprises to continue to invest in the United States.

Founded in 2005, the China General Chamber of Commerce in the United States is the largest and most influential non-profit organization representing Chinese companies investing in the United States. The annual Lunar New Year Gala is an economic and trade event for the Chinese and American business circles. This year, for the first time, the Chamber presented a Lifetime Achievement Award.



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