Dear Focus Reader,

The China-United States Exchange Foundation gathered global leaders in Hong Kong on Friday for the opening of its 5th annual U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum, in collaboration with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE). The Forum, which marks the first major U.S.-China event since the recent U.S. presidential election, is aptly themed "Reflection and Forecast," as it aims to encourage solutions-building based on high-level dialogue and create a new path for the bilateral relationship.

China's Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, and his U.S. counterpart, Ambassador Nicholas Burns, opened the day. Xie noted that U.S.-China relations are at a "new historical starting point," calling for "candid communication," and stating that "the two sides need to let dialogue and win-win results define our interactions, not confrontation or zero-sum mentality." Burns highlighted the critical role of cross-cultural engagement, noting, "It is the Chinese and American people from all walks of life… who act as the true ballast in our relationship. As we look to 2025, we will work to support the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump in this complex and vital relationship with China."

Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, also addressed the forum for the second year in a row, urging both superpowers to rise as "natural leaders of the international community." His remarks called for global collaboration as essential to solving world issues, with Bangladesh's own transformation as an example of unity-driven progress.

Sessions throughout the day examined key issues in U.S.-China relations, including trade, climate, and people-to-people exchanges. Other highlights included a masterclass on "The Art of Listening," led by Carla Canales, a Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange for the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and youth engagement initiatives featuring students from institutions like Tsinghua University, Peking University, and NYU.The Forum also honored President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Henry Kissinger, celebrating their legacies as architects of modern U.S.-China diplomacy. On Saturday, participants will continue discussions in closed-door sessions on topics from security to economic cooperation. Learn more on the Forum by following us on LinkedIn or checking out our website for exclusive Forum videos and interviews.