On December 11, 2024, the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) held its 2024 Gala Dinner in Washington D.C., where both President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden sent congratulatory letters. Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, read Xi's letter, which emphasized hopes for peaceful coexistence and cooperation between the two nations [4aecf32b].
During his address, Ambassador Xie highlighted three key questions regarding China's evolving policy towards the U.S., the development of the Chinese economy, and the future of China-U.S. economic cooperation. He asserted that China's policy is consistent and stable, cautioning that underestimating China would be unwise [4aecf32b].
The gala also featured remarks from U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Marisa Lago and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, further emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration between the two countries [4aecf32b]. Over 500 attendees included USCBC Chairman Rajesh Subramaniam and former U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, indicating strong interest in fostering economic ties [4aecf32b].
This event follows the 8th Annual Gala of the China General Chamber of Commerce Chicago, held on December 5, 2024, where Xie Feng reiterated the importance of Sino-U.S. trade cooperation. He noted that Chinese companies have invested over $144 billion in the U.S., creating approximately 230,000 jobs, and emphasized the need for both nations to avoid viewing each other as rivals [19fa14d6].
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also encouraged further Chinese investment in the city, while former Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged the competitive nature of the relationship but advocated for a partnership that could lead to mutual prosperity [19fa14d6].
Adding to the dialogue, on December 13, 2024, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong expressed that China is open to engaging with the new U.S. administration's economic and trade team, following President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce. He emphasized China's opposition to unilateral tariffs and the importance of dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect [f2f8ff9e].
He also reiterated that there are no winners in a trade war, as noted by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on November 7. Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen highlighted that raising tariffs does not resolve trade deficits and ultimately burdens consumers. Both nations' economies are highly complementary, and stable relations would benefit global economic growth [f2f8ff9e].
On December 16, 2024, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the U.S. and China can achieve 'many great things' through cooperation, while cautioning against U.S. interference regarding Taiwan. He emphasized that China's policy towards the U.S. remains unchanged and highlighted successful collaborations in economic and drug control efforts. Wang reiterated China's firm stance on Taiwan, opposing U.S. actions he deemed as 'crude interference' in China's internal affairs. He warned of potential deterioration in U.S.-China relations following the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, who has promised to impose more tariffs on China [1ca39b3d].
In a recent development on December 17, 2024, Wang Yi expressed hope that the incoming Trump administration would collaborate with Beijing, despite Trump's acknowledgment of strained relations with Xi Jinping due to COVID-19. Trump described Xi as a friend but indicated plans to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and end China's most-favored-nation trading status. Analysts suggest that China is preparing to negotiate on trade and technology issues, while Wang reiterated China's opposition to U.S. interference in its internal affairs, particularly regarding Taiwan [192ae95c].
In a related note, Michael Hart, President of AmCham China, shared insights on December 19, 2024, regarding the evolving trade landscape between the U.S. and China. Hart noted that despite a downturn in bilateral trade, U.S. businesses remain optimistic about opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, retail, and automobiles. His comments reflect findings from AmCham China's 2024 survey, which indicates increased optimism among U.S. companies operating in China. Hart emphasized the shift in China from low-cost manufacturing to cutting-edge manufacturing, suggesting that U.S. companies are well-positioned to benefit from this transition, particularly in high-quality product demand and sectors like electric vehicles and healthcare [6e8d5380].
The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and China is seen as crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering mutual understanding, with both nations open to continued dialogue and cooperation [dce776fa].