In a move to reinforce bilateral relations, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with representatives of the U.S. business community in Washington D.C. on Sunday. Han expressed optimism about the future of China-U.S. economic ties and encouraged American companies to continue investing and expanding their presence in China.
\"We hope U.S. companies will continue to invest and take root in China,\" Han stated. \"By acting as a bridge between our two nations, you can contribute significantly to the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.\"
The meeting included members from the U.S.-China Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Han Zheng is visiting Washington D.C. as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative to attend the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
Han highlighted the recent phone conversation between President Xi and President-elect Trump, noting that they reached important common understandings regarding the development of China-U.S. relations. \"Our two countries share broad common interests and vast potential for cooperation,\" he said. \"Getting our bilateral relationship off to a good start and keeping it growing steadily serves the well-being of our peoples and meets the expectations of the international community.\"
He emphasized the pivotal role of the U.S. business community in fostering strong ties between the two nations. \"You have always been the backbone of China-U.S. relations—a participant, witness, contributor, and beneficiary of our economic and trade cooperation as well as China's reform and opening-up,\" Han remarked. \"China will unswervingly advance its reform and opening-up efforts and continue to improve its business environment.\"
Representatives of the U.S. business community responded positively, expressing optimism about China's economic prospects and opportunities for development. They acknowledged that the recent dialogue between Trump and Xi sent a positive and encouraging message. \"As the world's two most dynamic and technologically advanced economies, the U.S. and China should pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and work towards finding a constructive and stable way to coexist,\" they said. The representatives affirmed their support for strengthening dialogue and communication to advance bilateral relations and economic and trade cooperation.
On the same day, Han Zheng also met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Han welcomed U.S. companies, including Tesla, to seize opportunities in China's growing market. \"We welcome you to share in the fruits of China's development and make greater contributions to promoting China-U.S. economic and trade relations,\" he told Musk.
Musk expressed his enthusiasm for deepening Tesla's investment and cooperation with China. \"Tesla is ready to play an active role in promoting economic and trade exchanges between the U.S. and China,\" he said.
Han Zheng's visit and meetings with business leaders underscore the commitment of both nations to fostering strong economic ties amid a changing global landscape.
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Han Zheng meets U.S. business leaders to strengthen China-U.S. ties
cgtn.com