In a significant move toward enhancing sub-national economic ties, the 2026 China-California Business Forum convened in Los Angeles this past Tuesday. The event brought together approximately 550 government officials and business leaders from the Chinese mainland and the United States, all aiming to explore new avenues for cooperation and promote meaningful exchanges.
The forum has established itself as a cornerstone of sub-national cooperation between the two nations. In a video address, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng highlighted the forum's role as an iconic brand, urging California to help chart a path defined by mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in the current era.
Adding to the strategic importance of the gathering, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Guo Shaochun emphasized that the forum is more than just a diplomatic exercise. He described it as a vital platform for policy dialogue and information exchange, providing a valuable opportunity for business communities on both sides to engage in direct interaction and cooperation matchmaking to expand their market reach.
The sentiment of shared growth was echoed by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. In a written speech, Ma noted that California and China share a deep history of innovation, economic partnership, and people-to-people connections. She remarked that such forums are essential for building the understanding and relationships necessary to achieve shared prosperity and stronger business ties.
A highlight of this year's event was the participation of Hainan, which served as the Guest Province of Honor. Zhao Feng, vice governor of Hainan, expressed the province's readiness to deepen trade and investment ties with various sectors in California. Zhao aims for Hainan and California to collaborate in creating a new, scalable model for sub-national cooperation between the Chinese mainland and the United States.
As an annual fixture in the economic calendar, the China-California Business Forum continues to serve as a pragmatic engine for trade and investment, bridging the gap between Chinese provinces and cities and the influential economy of California.
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China-California Business Forum focuses on deeper win-win cooperation
cgtn.com
