The 2025 U.S.-China People's Dialogue commenced in Los Angeles this week, bringing together over 30 experts to address cultural and technological challenges in bilateral relations. Now in its third year, the November 16-18 forum builds on previous dialogues in New York (2023) and Beijing (2024), reflecting growing recognition of grassroots diplomacy's role in stabilizing ties between the world's largest economies.
Yang Bin, Tsinghua University Council vice chair, highlighted this year's innovative 'group dialogue+' format combining plenary sessions with field visits and student interactions. 'We're creating multidimensional platforms to counteract misinformation and foster mutual understanding,' Yang told reporters, emphasizing the dialogue's focus on practical solutions for cross-cultural collaboration.
Thematic discussions span artificial intelligence governance, transnational education models, and pop culture's soft power potential. A dedicated panel examines social media's dual role as bridge and barrier, particularly analyzing platforms' impact on Chinese-American communities.
National Committee on U.S.-China Relations President Stephen Orlins framed the initiative as preventive diplomacy: 'Strengthening people-to-people foundations now protects against future political tremors.' His remarks come as both nations navigate economic decoupling pressures while maintaining $700 billion in annual trade.
Observers note the timing coincides with preparations for APEC 2026 host city announcements, positioning this dialogue as a bellwether for civil society's role in next-generation international frameworks.
