At the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) held on Tuesday, business and diplomatic leaders underscored the critical importance of constructive engagement between China and the United States for global stability and prosperity.
NCUSCR President Stephen Orlins, who has spent five decades promoting U.S.-China relations, acknowledged the current challenges between the two nations. “I cannot recall a time when it was so deeply fraught,” he remarked. Despite the difficulties, Orlins emphasized the need for perseverance, quoting Confucius: “In difficult times, we need to embrace broad-mindedness and resilience, shoulder our responsibilities, and work twice as hard to move forward steadily on our path for a U.S.-China relationship that makes the world a safer and more prosperous place for future generations.”
Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Chubb Limited, highlighted recent diplomatic efforts that have improved communication between the two countries. “Engagement between our peoples, broadly speaking, inside and outside of government at all levels is critical—businesses, students, teachers, think tanks, farmers,” Greenberg said. He stressed that effective management of the U.S.-China relationship is essential to prevent potential crises. “I know we all share a common interest in the necessity for a more positive path for U.S.-China relations to move forward in a more productive and stable manner,” he added.
William Ford, chairman and CEO of General Atlantic and the gala’s honoree, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that strategic engagement is vital for global peace and prosperity. Reflecting on General Atlantic’s two decades of investment in China, Ford quoted former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger: “It was in America’s long-term national interest to have an active and constructive relationship with China.” Despite recent tensions that have slowed capital flows to China, Ford expressed optimism about reversing this trend. “I am hopeful that strategic engagement and collaboration can reverse this decline in capital formation. I remain optimistic that we can find a constructive path forward that is beneficial for the United States and China and supports global growth,” he said.
As the gala concluded, Orlins offered a symbol of hope by referencing the arrival of two pandas from China to the National Zoo in Washington earlier in the day. “We strongly hope that this is a symbol of some improvement in U.S.-China relations,” he stated.
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NCUSCR gala calls for constructive engagement between China and U.S.
cgtn.com
