To prepare for the 1st China-U.S. Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum, Vice President Xie Yuan led a working group to visit Hawaii from May 17 to 18, and paid visits to Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki, Vice Speaker John Mizuno, Majority Leader Scott Saiki, Majority Floor Leader Cindy Evans, and Chief of Staff Mike Cartney from Governor’s Office. 

Vice President Xie introduced that the CPAFFC has been actively promoting China-U.S. sub-national relationship since its establishment. Over 250 pairs of sister state/provinces and sister cities have been twinned between the two countries. CPAFFC is also implementing several sub-national exchange mechanisms such as China-U.S. Governors Forum, and plays host to about 10 U.S. governors to visit China each year. The 1st China-U.S. Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum is going to be held in Hawaii this June, and the legislative leaders from both sides will hold talks and reach agreements on the theme of tourism cooperation during the Forum. It is hoped that under the support of Hawaii State Government and Legislatures, this Forum will achieve complete success. Xie also sent an invitation to Governor David Iger for him to attend the Fourth China-U.S. Governors Forum, which will be held in Chengdu this August. 

The Hawaii House leadership warmly welcomes the upcoming Forum. They said that tourism is the largest industry for Hawaii, and the Forum will not only draw more Chinese tourists to the state but promote sub-national exchange and cooperation between the two sides. The Hawaii legislature is working closely with U.S. State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) for this Forum, and will provide continuous support. Chief of Staff McCartney agreed to pass the invitation message to Governor Iger, and promised that the Hawaii State Government will actively promote the state to achieve more practical results with the Chinese side at the Forum. 

During the visit, Vice President Xie Yuan also met with the leadership of the U.S.-China People’s Friendship Association Honolulu Chapter and the two sides reached agreement on future exchange programs.