NCUSCR gala calls for constructive engagement between China and U.S.

Business and diplomatic leaders emphasized that constructive engagement between China and the United States is crucial not only for both nations but also for global stability and prosperity.

At the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) held on Tuesday, NCUSCR President Stephen Orlins, who has dedicated 50 years to fostering U.S.-China relations, acknowledged the current challenges facing the relationship. "I cannot recall a time when it was so deeply fraught," he said.

Emphasizing the need for resilience, Orlins quoted Confucius as saying, "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 the importance of effective management of China-U.S. relations. He noted that recent diplomatic efforts have led to improved communication, which is essential to manage potential crises.

"Engagement between our peoples, broadly speaking, inside and outside of government at all levels is critical, (including) businesses, students, teachers, think tanks, farmers," said Greenberg.

"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 Greenberg's sentiments, asserting that strategic engagement between the two nations is vital for global peace and prosperity.

Ford recounted General Atlantic's two decades of investment in China, emphasizing the importance of a constructive relationship. "It was in America's long-term national interest to have an active and constructive relationship with China," he quoted former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

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.

He reiterated Kissinger's belief that if the U.S. and China can deepen mutual understanding and cooperation, the world stands a better chance of achieving lasting peace and prosperity.

As the gala concluded, Orlins left the audience with a note of hope, 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 said.

(With input from Xinhua)