Dialogue remains key to Sino-US ties

Chinese and American businesses operating in each other's markets remain deeply interconnected and can serve as a bridge for subnational dialogue, business leaders and policy experts said.

More than 100 business executives, policymakers and scholars gathered in New York for "The Path Forward 2026: Mutual Benefit, Uncovering New Opportunities for US-China Economic and Trade Relations", hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA and the CGCC Foundation on Thursday. 

Participants discussed the future of bilateral economic ties and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the world's two largest economies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Susan Elliott, CEO of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, emphasized that dialogue remains essential despite growing strategic competition between the two countries.

"Decoupling is neither realistic nor desirable," she said. "We must consider how to rebalance our economies in ways that support sustainable growth, resilience and long-term prosperity. These adjustments will not be simple, and they will require difficult conversations among all of us. A healthier and more sustainable economic relationship will ultimately benefit our countries and the broader international team."

Elliott emphasized that US-China economic and trade relations need stability and productivity today. 

"Competition does not eliminate the need for communication, and disagreement should not prevent us from seeking areas of mutual benefit. The path forward requires patience, pragmatism and a willingness to keep talking," she said.

Chen Li, Chinese consul general in New York, said there remains significant potential for subnational cooperation and economic collaboration between China and the US.

"American companies value China's huge market and strong industrial support," he said.

"Meanwhile, Chinese companies, for their part, want to grow in the US market in a stable and predictable environment, while contributing to local communities and better serving local consumers."

Chen called for both sides to uphold the principle of mutual benefit, ensuring that cooperation delivers gains for all parties rather than being one-sided. He also urged both countries to listen to each other's concerns with sound judgment and to maintain the momentum of dialogue and practical cooperation.

"Going forward, China will continue to facilitate foreign companies' trade and investment in China, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and foster a first-class business environment. We hope American companies will seize these opportunities and achieve greater growth by riding the momentum of China's development," he added. 

Chen said market demand in both countries continues to drive opportunities, while the underlying mutual benefits of China-US economic cooperation remain unchanged, leaving significant potential for future collaboration.

From a business perspective, participants emphasized that engagement at the state, city and personal levels also yields tangible benefits for local economies.

Steven Fulop, president of Partnership for NYC and former mayor of Jersey City, said Chinese international students have contributed to the city's growth over the years. 

Students' demand for housing has supported local real estate development, while their day-to-day spending has benefited local businesses and the broader economy. 

Glori Norwitt, Connecticut's envoy for international engagement at AdvanceCT, said there is significant room to deepen ties, noting that the state is home to about 80,000 Chinese people and nearly 2,000 Chinese-owned businesses, ranging from small enterprises to large corporations.

"We are building relationships, and we strongly encourage those relationships to continue and grow," she said.

Despite a cautious business outlook, Chinese companies in the US remained resilient, the latest CGCC Annual Business Survey found.

About one-third of respondents reported revenue growth in 2025, while 81 percent remained profitable. At the same time, 79 percent said they planned to reinvest profits in the US, the highest level recorded in the survey, underscoring their long-term commitment to the US.

mingmeili@chinadailyusa.com