Officials say that HK can help ensure mutual benefits for Sino-US relations

Senior Hong Kong-based diplomats from China and the United States on Tuesday encouraged the special administrative region to serve as a vital gateway and dialogue hub that will help both nations achieve mutual benefits.

The remarks were made at the 2026 China Conference, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham), which was attended by over 200 participants, including government officials, business executives, technology experts and academic scholars.

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong SAR, said a good China-US relationship is vital to American businesses operating in Hong Kong.

“The strategic guidance of safe, stable and sustainable China-US relations will further boost the American business community in Hong Kong, and further ensure their long-term operations here,” Cui said in his opening remarks.

Cui said that more than 1,400 American companies operate in the city, and over 8,000 US citizens are residing here. He added that the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), the Northern Metropolis project and the blueprint for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will open up new opportunities for AmCham and American enterprises to expand their presence on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: AmCham confidence survey reconfirms HK’s resilience

Julie Eadeh, US consul general in Hong Kong and Macao, highlighted the importance of Hong Kong remaining a constructive dialogue hub.

“Hong Kong has historically been a place for constructive dialogue on what is happening around the Chinese mainland. Many around the world, including myself, hope that will continue,” she said.

She also expressed hope that the city will continue to serve its century-long role in connecting American businesses to opportunities throughout the region.

“More than 1,400 American companies operate here, drawn to Hong Kong’s deep capital markets and international connectivity that few economies in the world could replicate,” she said.

Kishore Mahbubani, distinguished fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Asia Research Institute, praised Hong Kong’s success in bringing together American and Chinese interests in ways that are mutually beneficial.

“Hong Kong must begin to think in geopolitical terms (about) how the city can be useful to the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, and provide a meeting place,” said Mahbubani, also a former Singaporean diplomat.

“As Hong Kong is well integrated into the Chinese mainland economy, it gives the city a tremendous asset that no other city has, and that asset can be built up from Hong Kong. I am optimistic about Hong Kong,” he added.

AmCham Chairman David Butts said that the association is anticipating the scheduled summit meeting between the leaders of China and the US, and described 2026 as a pivotal year for US-China economic relations.

“Shenzhen is hosting the annual (APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting) in November, and the official launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan is in place,” he said. “We cannot forget the turmoil caused by the tariffs,” he added.

Contact the writers at oswald@chinadailyhk.com