Dear Focus Reader,

Both China and the United States have recently emphasized the significance of people-to-people exchanges as a means of fortifying the bilateral relationship, most notably at the landmark meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jingping in San Francisco in November. Since then, several steps have been taken to move that commitment forward.

At this month's annual Two Sessions in China, new proposals from CPPCC Standing Committee Member Jia Qingguo were put forward to drive people-to-people contacts and increase academic exchanges.

There has also been a notable development in science and technology collaboration, as a quiet extension of the "U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement" has recently come to light. The agreement had expired in February, sparking uncertainty within the academic circles of both countries. The extension ensures its continuity for another six months while negotiations persist between Beijing and Washington. First signed in 1979 after the formalization of diplomatic ties, the agreement had been routinely renewed for five-year terms. But in August of last year, amid increasing tensions, a mere six-month extension agreement was reached.

Analysts have noted that the discreet extension highlights the intricate nature of the bilateral relationship as both sides navigate engagement while vying for global technological and military supremacy.

"Fifty years of success demonstrates the need for continued collaboration," says Karen Mancl, China-US Focus contributor and retired Ohio State University professor, but the future of scientific cooperation between the two countries remains to be seen.

Additionally, business remains another significant space for exchange, and this weekend, Beijing will host its China Development Forum, where top Western business leaders have the opportunity to engage with Chinese leaders. This forum occurs against the backdrop of strained business ties between the two nations, particularly evident in the recent U.S. congressional push for the forced sale of Chinese-owned TikTok and Western capital leaving China. Nevertheless, Beijing is likely to use the forum to help attract and maintain foreign investment in the country.

Learn more about China-US relations by catching up on our latest Focus content, including topics on China's Two Sessions, the future of China-EU relations, and the Russia-Ukraine War.