Washington D.C. — Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivered a compelling speech at the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) 2024 Gala Dinner on Wednesday night, cautioning against underestimating China’s economic strength and emphasizing the futility of attempts to contain the nation.
Addressing an audience of prominent business leaders and policymakers, Ambassador Xie underscored China’s steady and robust economic trajectory. “We are fully capable of ensuring overall economic stability and forestalling risks,” he asserted. “Our high-quality development is moving forward with vigor, and there is great potential for the positive momentum to last.”
He reflected on China’s economic resilience, noting, “It is through braving wind and rain that the Chinese economy has come such a long way. We are confident that we will accomplish this year’s growth target.” Looking ahead, Xie stated, “Next year, we will carry out macroeconomic policies that are more proactive and impactful, and prevent and resolve risks in key areas and external shocks.”
Ambassador Xie highlighted China’s commitment to deepening reforms and expanding high-standard opening up, inviting international businesses, including American firms, to participate in China’s development opportunities. “While protectionism is on the rise, China is as determined as ever to advance the sound and steady development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” he said.
He warned against the dangers of protectionist policies, stating, “Attempts to weaponize tariffs would only cause one to isolate itself from other markets and lose out on opportunities. Building ‘small yard, high fence’ could not stifle innovation and would only constrain oneself.”
Emphasizing the global implications of U.S.-China relations, Xie remarked, “Shutting China out in the name of de-risking poses the real risk to global industrial and supply chains. Exploiting ‘national security’ as a convenient pretext for suppressing others is in itself causing insecurity.”
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Xie called for collaboration between the two nations. “Only when China and the United States work together will both our countries and the world be safer and fare better,” he affirmed.
The USCBC Gala provided a platform for open dialogue amid ongoing economic tensions. Xie’s remarks serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the global economy and the importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
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Chinese ambassador to U.S. says underestimating China unwise
cgtn.com
