WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) concluded the U.S.-China CEO and Former Senior Officials’ Dialogue last night. The dialogue was co-chaired by U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donohue and CCIEE Chairman and Former Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan.
Amidst what is arguably the most pivotal and strained time in modern history for U.S.-China relations, the dialogue convened top business leaders, former cabinet officials, and think tank experts for a virtual discussion about economic and commercial policy issues in U.S.-China relations, including two-way trade and investment, innovation policy, cybersecurity, health, climate and sustainability.
“We are coming together at a crucial moment for our nations, for the bilateral relationship, and for the world,” said Donohue during his opening remarks. “We are in different phases of dealing with a pandemic and economic crisis that has rippled across the globe. On top of that, America has gone through a change in government that signals a shift in some domestic policy areas and will help reorient our position in the world.”
During the dialogue, Donohue and other executives stressed the importance of full implementation of the January 2020 U.S.-China Trade Agreement and addressing outstanding structural concerns as quickly as possible regarding China’s subsidies, restrictions on U.S. Internet and cloud providers, forced technology transfer policies, and certain areas of intellectual property rights protection.
“For our long-term growth and competitiveness, we strongly support efforts to reengage with the world through robust trade, reassert our commitment to global institutions; and restore partnerships with traditional allies in Europe, in Asia, and other parts of the world. Crucial to that effort will be a stable, but balanced relationship between the United States and China that serves the interests of the American people,” said Donohue.
Donohue acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead and emphasized the importance of the United States and China working together in areas of shared interest like climate and sustainability and the global economic recovery.
“There are many challenges we face—like addressing climate change and sustainability, helping revitalize the global economy, and working through the thornier issues in the relationship,” “However, there are also opportunities to seize. We are confident that we can move forward in a constructive and pragmatic manner—and that the new administration will be a constructive partner.”
In two weeks, the Chamber will continue these important conversations during its annual China Business Conference, one of the leading conferences in the United States dedicated to economic, political, and regulatory developments affecting American business in China. .
