Global experts and thinkers are adamant that friendship and cooperation between China and the United States benefit not only their people, but the world, urging that the relationship be strengthened through wisdom, dialogue and engagement.
They made the remarks at the United States-China Hong Kong Forum held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday, offering their insights on Sino-US relations.
This year, the two-day event brings together prominent policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, artists, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and students from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and around the world to discuss the latest issues shaping Sino-US ties, as well as global peace.
In a video address to the forum, Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the US, likened the management of relations between the two major world powers to “navigating a giant ship”, emphasizing the challenges they’re facing, particularly in economic and trade matters.
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Despite these setbacks, he said cooperation between both countries, which are critical economic partners to each other and major powers on the international stage, not only presents endless opportunities, but also “injects more stability into world peace and developments”.
The seasoned diplomat called for mutual respect, drawing on historical wisdom for peaceful co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation. In particular, he stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges to bridge the gap.
Quoting the Chinese proverb -- no mountain can stop the surging flow of a mighty river -- Xie said he’s confident that the enduring and evolving ties between the people of China and the US will stay. He urged all sectors of society in both countries to collaborate in removing barriers to communication, dispelling misconceptions, and fostering an environment that’s conducive to promoting mutual understanding, communication and cooperation.
Shen Xin, vice-president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, highlighted the critical importance of cooperation between China and the US.
He noted that viewing each other side as a primary competitor and a pacing threat will only lead to misinformed policy and misguided actions, stressing the need for all sectors of Chinese and US societies to continuously strengthen common ground.
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He cited the significant benefits that China and the US derive from bilateral trade and investments. For example, the global supply chain initiated by US businesses and energized by Chinese companies has been bringing the world higher productivity and lower costs. In a changing market and geopolitical landscape, both nations should look beyond immediate gains and consider long-term development, he said.
Noting the recently adopted recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030),Shen said the new blueprint will create more opportunities for cooperation between China and the US.
John Zhao Linghuan, chairman of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, which organized the forum, reiterated that its mission is to connect the best aspects of people in both countries and the broader world, and create a shared environment of understanding, prosperity and peace.
This year’s theme, “Circles for Peace”, reflects a peaceful global climate that connects people across nations and generations, demanding constant renewal through dialogue and action, he said.
Hong Kong is the ideal location for hosting the forum as the city exemplifies global connections “where finance meets culture and where ideas flow in and out freely”, Zhao said.
Through a rich and comprehensive agenda, the two-day gathering also features roundtable discussions on shared subjects, such as artificial intelligence, geopolitics, people-to-people exchanges, and social topics like art, culture, and employment.
James Chau, president of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, said each discussion is dedicated to prompt action with ideas translated into practical insights.
He emphasized that the event provides equal opportunities for dialogues instead of highlighting only certain topics, and hopes that all participants can share their views freely, and help shape a common future.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
