Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who played a pivotal role in normalizing China-U.S. relations, passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, leaving a lasting diplomatic legacy. Stephen Orlins, chairman of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, was the youngest diplomat on Carter's team. In an interview recorded before his death, he reflected on Carter's leadership and emphasized the importance of both nations rising above domestic opposition to build a more constructive and forward-looking relationship.