Page 5 - The South China Business Journal
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Charles Bennett Autumn has been a very busy time for U.S. diplomats in Asia this year!
Consul General During November 5-14, President Trump made his first trip to the
Consulate General of the United Indo-Pacific region, joined by the First Lady and key advisors. The President
States of America, Guangzhou, China visited U.S. allies Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, as well as Vietnam
and China with whom we have important partnerships. Apart from meeting
with the leaders of these countries, the President also highlighted our
commitment to regional integration by engaging with counterparts from the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Danang, Vietnam,
and the East Asia and U.S.-ASEAN Summits in Manila, the Philippines.
Of special interest to U.S. companies here, China hosted President Trump
November 8-10 for a full program of bilateral meetings and cultural events.
I know from personal experience that a U.S. presidential visit to a foreign
country is no small feat! It takes weeks of detailed planning and negotiation
behind the scenes by U.S. and Chinese officials, who, through careful
scheduling and attention to protocol, work hard to establish an atmosphere
for productive discussions. We are grateful for the efforts of our Chinese
counterparts which were critical to a successful trip.
So what did the China leg of the visit accomplish? Companies from both
countries signed trade and investment deals worth more than $250 billion.
These will increase U.S. exports to China and stimulate job creation and
investment in American communities. Presidents Trump and Xi discussed
their concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs,
and agreed to enhance cooperation on cross-border challenges such as
drug trafficking and cybercrime. The leaders also exchanged candid views
on our bilateral economic relationship. President Trump urged China to
ensure fair and reciprocal treatment for U.S. companies, provide greater
market access for our companies and exports, and hasten implementation of
market-oriented reforms to reduce the trade deficit. Both sides committed to
maintaining an open dialogue on these issues.
What this means is that the United States and China made progress we can
be proud of, but still have work to do to create a truly level playing field for
U.S. workers and businesses. We are committed to this goal and to engaging in
good faith with our Chinese partners – though, as the President has noted, the
United States is prepared to use available trade remedies if necessary. During
his regional travels, President Trump described his vision of a free and open
Indo-Pacific region, characterized by increased connectivity that will enhance
security and prosperity for countries around the region. It is a vision that
stands to benefit the many, not the few – but one that will take open markets,
fair trade practices, and respect for the rule of law in order to realize.
We should be clear-eyed about the challenge ahead, but going into 2018,
I am confident that the United States and China can work through our
differences and achieve even more together.
South China Business Journal 3
Charles Bennett Autumn has been a very busy time for U.S. diplomats in Asia this year!
Consul General During November 5-14, President Trump made his first trip to the
Consulate General of the United Indo-Pacific region, joined by the First Lady and key advisors. The President
States of America, Guangzhou, China visited U.S. allies Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, as well as Vietnam
and China with whom we have important partnerships. Apart from meeting
with the leaders of these countries, the President also highlighted our
commitment to regional integration by engaging with counterparts from the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Danang, Vietnam,
and the East Asia and U.S.-ASEAN Summits in Manila, the Philippines.
Of special interest to U.S. companies here, China hosted President Trump
November 8-10 for a full program of bilateral meetings and cultural events.
I know from personal experience that a U.S. presidential visit to a foreign
country is no small feat! It takes weeks of detailed planning and negotiation
behind the scenes by U.S. and Chinese officials, who, through careful
scheduling and attention to protocol, work hard to establish an atmosphere
for productive discussions. We are grateful for the efforts of our Chinese
counterparts which were critical to a successful trip.
So what did the China leg of the visit accomplish? Companies from both
countries signed trade and investment deals worth more than $250 billion.
These will increase U.S. exports to China and stimulate job creation and
investment in American communities. Presidents Trump and Xi discussed
their concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs,
and agreed to enhance cooperation on cross-border challenges such as
drug trafficking and cybercrime. The leaders also exchanged candid views
on our bilateral economic relationship. President Trump urged China to
ensure fair and reciprocal treatment for U.S. companies, provide greater
market access for our companies and exports, and hasten implementation of
market-oriented reforms to reduce the trade deficit. Both sides committed to
maintaining an open dialogue on these issues.
What this means is that the United States and China made progress we can
be proud of, but still have work to do to create a truly level playing field for
U.S. workers and businesses. We are committed to this goal and to engaging in
good faith with our Chinese partners – though, as the President has noted, the
United States is prepared to use available trade remedies if necessary. During
his regional travels, President Trump described his vision of a free and open
Indo-Pacific region, characterized by increased connectivity that will enhance
security and prosperity for countries around the region. It is a vision that
stands to benefit the many, not the few – but one that will take open markets,
fair trade practices, and respect for the rule of law in order to realize.
We should be clear-eyed about the challenge ahead, but going into 2018,
I am confident that the United States and China can work through our
differences and achieve even more together.
South China Business Journal 3
