In a bid to strengthen economic ties between the world's two largest economies, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with prominent U.S. business leaders on Sunday in Washington D.C. Amid anticipation surrounding the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Han's visit underscores China's commitment to fostering stable and mutually beneficial relations with the United States.
During discussions with representatives from the U.S.-China Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Han emphasized the crucial role of American businesses in bridging the two nations. \"We hope U.S. companies will continue to invest and take root in the Chinese mainland,\" Han remarked. \"Your active participation serves as a bridge and makes significant contributions to the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.\"
Han, attending the inauguration as a special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighted the positive outcomes of a recent phone call between President Xi and President-elect Trump. He noted that both leaders reached important common understandings on the future of China-U.S. relations, setting a constructive tone for cooperation.
The Chinese Vice President underscored the vast potential for collaboration, stating, \"China and the United States share broad common interests. 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 acknowledged the U.S. business community as longstanding partners in China's reform and opening-up journey. \"You have been participants, witnesses, contributors, and beneficiaries of our economic and trade cooperation,\" Han said, reaffirming China's commitment to advancing reforms and improving the business environment.
U.S. business leaders expressed optimism about the future of China-U.S. relations. They welcomed the encouraging message from the recent conversation between the two presidents and voiced support for enhanced dialogue and communication. \"As the world's two most dynamic and technologically advanced economies, the United States and China should pursue mutually beneficial cooperation,\" one representative noted. \"We are optimistic about China's economic prospects and the opportunities it presents.\"
In addition to meeting with business leaders, Han held talks with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Han welcomed Tesla's deepening investment in China and encouraged the company to capitalize on the opportunities arising from China's continued development. \"We invite U.S. companies like Tesla to share in the fruits of China's growth and to contribute to the advancement of China-U.S. economic and trade relations,\" Han stated.
Musk echoed this sentiment, expressing Tesla's readiness to expand its cooperation with China. \"We are eager to deepen our investment and play an active role in promoting economic and trade exchanges between the United States and China,\" Musk said.
Han's engagements signal China's proactive approach to engaging with the incoming U.S. administration and the American business community, aiming to set a positive course for future bilateral relations.
Reference(s):
Han Zheng meets U.S. business leaders to strengthen China-U.S. ties
cgtn.com
