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Keynote Speech of Chargé d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in the U.S. Madam Xu Xueyuan on the CGCC-USA 2023 Lunar New Year of the Rabbit Gala

(From Chinese Embassy in America)

2023-01-19 00:20

Mr. Hu Wei,
Ambassador Baucus,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. It’s an honor to attend the CGCC-USA Gala.

First, my warmest congratulations to Dr. Kissinger on the Lifetime Achievement Award. I can think of no one more worthy of this award than Dr. Kissinger. His outstanding contribution to the ice breaking and development of China-U.S. relations and his wisdom about this relationship have inspired generations to explore the right path for our two countries to get along.

Over 50 years ago, Dr. Kissinger visited China, a country he called a "Mysterious Land". The mystery did not just come from the physical distance, but was also because of the longtime estrangement between the two countries. In the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences, leaders of our two countries broke the ice and started to reengage. This has not been an easy journey all along, but there has been no turning back, only going forward. Over the past decades, China and the United States have got increasingly closer to each other with our interests deeply intertwined. China is no longer “mysterious” in the eyes of Americans. However, our two countries seem to be getting away from each other in recent years. Our economic and trade relations, which should be the ballast and anchor of the overall bilateral relations, have been weakened. Frictions and disputes frequently happen, and they are extending to structural and strategic levels. China-U.S. economic and trade relations are coming to a critical crossroads.

An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires a correct view of China's development. It was announced at the CPC’s 20th National Congress that China will advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization, and China will build a new development pattern, and continue to pursue high-standard opening-up. We Chinese often say, "Dedicate yourself to the wellbeing of all when you are established." China's development will create conditions for the win-win cooperation between Chinese and American companies and inject impetus to the development of the world economy.

An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires us to keep to the overall direction of bilateral relations. Last November, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting in Bali, where they agreed that our two countries should have more dialogue and communication in finance, economy, trade, health and agriculture, and strive to expand cooperation. This has charted the course for the development of our economic and trade relations for the next stage. We need to have a sense of urgency, engage more frequently, and substantiate the dialogue, in a bid to enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation and show the world that dialogue can deliver.

An accurate understanding of China-U.S. economic and trade relations requires an objective and rational view of our shared interests. China-U.S. trade is highly complementary. Even with our trade frictions in recent years, our two-way trade from January to November 2022 still approached 700 billion US dollars, and the momentum of growth is continuing. China-U.S. trade is mutually beneficial, and the American economy, businesses and consumers are all beneficiaries. According to the USCBC, all the 50 U.S. states have exports of goods and services to China, benefiting nearly one million American jobs, especially in the agricultural states that export soybeans, corn, sorghum, beef and pork to China. I believe that Montana’s beef industry, which Ambassador Baucus has been promoting, has greatly benefited. The U.S. is also gaining from our two-way investment. Last October, I saw that the Tangram Flushing became a new landmark in New York. I believe that Governor Hochul will definitely welcome more Chinese-funded enterprises in New York State.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

"Respect and resilience" is the theme of the Gala. It is exactly what we need to overcome the difficulties in China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

Mutual respect will lay the foundation for sound interactions between China and the United States. Our economic and trade cooperation should follow economic laws and abide by international economic and trade rules. People should respect the fact that China and the U.S. stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Section 301 tariffs, industrial subsidies, investment barriers and export controls are detrimental to both sides and should not continue. In particular, "decoupling" and "supplies cutoff" in the high-tech industry may hurt China in the short term, but in the long run, the United States will suffer more. China will not stop just because the United States is trying to bring us down; instead, China will rely on ourselves and do our best for development. The U.S. will only create a strong competitor for itself.

Resilience will provide a guarantee for Chinese and American companies to build the future. As you are moving forward against the odds, it is more necessary than ever to show your entrepreneurial spirit, forge ahead, meet the difficulties head on, and never give up. For Chinese companies in the U.S., I encourage you to build your reputation, expand your market and convince American policymakers with your quality services and professional operations, to show them that Chinese companies can help promote the American economy and create jobs here. I encourage you to reach out and get deeply integrated into American society to look for business opportunities in American states, cities, and counties.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On January 8, the Chinese government substantially adjusted COVID-19 response measures. China has reopened. We are pleased to see that many American companies are already on their way to China to meet clients and explore business opportunities. Chinese companies are also coming to the U.S. to attend exhibitions and discuss investment cooperation. I hope that the CGCC-USA will continue to serve as a bridge for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, and set an example of the win-win cooperation between our two countries.

The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. I sincerely wish Chinese and American companies new hope, high speed and great success in the Year of the Rabbit! I wish you a happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Thank you!

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