Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, special representative of President Xi Jinping, met with leaders of the U.S.-China Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other members of the U.S. business community in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The discussions aimed to strengthen China-U.S. relations and foster economic cooperation between the two nations.
Han Zheng is in Washington, D.C. to attend the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, representing President Xi at the invitation of the United States. This visit marks a significant step in fostering dialogue and understanding between the new U.S. administration and China.
During his meetings, Han highlighted the recent phone conversation between President Xi and President-elect Trump, where both leaders reached important common understandings regarding the development of China-U.S. relations. Han emphasized that China and the United States share broad common interests and vast potential for cooperation.
“Getting the bilateral relationship off to a good start and keeping it growing steadily serves the common well-being of the peoples of the two countries and meets the expectations of the international community,” Han stated.
He acknowledged the vital role of the U.S. business community as the backbone of China-U.S. relations, describing it as a participant, witness, contributor, and beneficiary of bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as China’s reform and opening-up efforts. Han reassured that China will continue to advance its reform and opening-up initiatives and improve its business environment.
Han expressed hope that U.S. companies will continue to invest in China, deepen their roots in the country, and actively serve as a bridge to contribute to the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
Representatives of the U.S. business community responded positively, noting that the recent conversation between Trump and Xi sent an 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 U.S. business leaders expressed optimism about China’s economic prospects and opportunities for development. They voiced support for strengthening U.S.-China dialogue and communication to continue advancing bilateral relations and economic and trade cooperation.
In addition to these meetings, Han Zheng also met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday. Han welcomed U.S. companies, including Tesla, to seize opportunities in China and contribute to promoting China-U.S. economic and trade relations. Musk expressed Tesla’s readiness to deepen investment and cooperation with China and to play an active role in fostering economic and trade exchanges between the two countries.
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Han Zheng meets U.S. business leaders to strengthen China-U.S. ties
cgtn.com
