On December 12th , China US Relations Conference on building a new type of China-US relationship was held in Beijing. Mr. Xu Kuangdi, Vice Chairman of the 10th National Committee of CPPCC and President of China-US People’s Friendship Association, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Mr. Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United State and Mrs. Carter, Mr. Gary Locke, U.S. Ambassador to China, as well as representatives from the government, academic institutions and business circles of both countries attended the conference and had comprehensive discussions surrounding two major topics: building China-US strategic mutual trust in the new period and Sino-US cooperative responsibilities in the Asia Pacific and in the world. 

Mr. Xu Kuangdi outlined in the speech that 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Shanghai Communique. Over the past 40 years, China-US relations have kept moving forward despite some ups and downs. As one of the most important bilateral relations, China-US relations are increasingly influential in the global economy and geopolitics. We should work together to further promote a China-US cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit and to build a new type of relations. The key issue of ushering our relations into a new age is to successfully implement agreements reached by both countries. Mme. Li contended that looking into the future of our bilateral relationship, there is no fixed pattern to follow but a need to jointly develop unique and creative solutions in an effort to build a new road for the peaceful, cooperative, mutually beneficial China-US relationship.

Mr. Carter said, China-US relations enjoy bright future. State leaders of our two nations need to prudently handle all challenges and difficulties. Compared with 34 years ago when the bilateral relationship was in its infancy, today China-US political, economic and cultural exchanges have been significantly enhanced, which are important elements in establishing mutual trust. Moreover, exchange students and overseas tourism are also positive factors for growing mutual understanding between the nations. Ambassador Locke added that concrete cooperation, beyond diplomatic statements, is the key in improving strategic trust between China and the US.

The Conference is organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC), International Data Group(IDG), supported by the Carter Center, Center for US-China Relations of Tsinghua University and China-United States Exchange Foundation.