Stressing exchange in time of tension

During a period of economic and political tension, bilateral exchanges between the US and China are even more vital, a Chinese envoy said Thursday.

"At such moments, it is even more important that we carry on cultural and people-to-people exchanges," said Huang Ping, Chinese consul general in New York. "Because that is the most direct and efficient way to engender good sentiments and mutual understanding and avoid this relationship from going further into a downward spiral."

Huang spoke at the 16th annual gala and awards celebration for the Chinese Cultural Foundation, stressing that the two countries already have worked together over decades, including during World War II, in fighting the Ebola virus in West Africa, and solving cross-border crimes.

"As technology advances rapidly, there will be more social challenges brought by automation and artificial intelligence, but if the two nations really want, they could find more areas of cooperation in this vast world and universe," he said.

Meanwhile, Huang said the ongoing "China threat" voiced by some in the West and the argument for "disengagement" have caused relations to stagnate.

Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of CV Starr & Co and honorary chairman of the foundation, who has long had ties to China, said the relationship has got to be better.

"The world needs that. Their relationship is the most important in the world today. They both benefit from that," he said. "And I believe that any problems (between the two countries) will be worked out."

Greenberg said the leaders of both nations have the responsibility to let their people improve the relationship by having more cultural exchanges and communication.

The New York-based Chinese Cultural Foundation was set up in 2003 and aims to enhance global understanding by sharing Chinese history and culture with the world. Each year, the foundation recognizes people who contribute to the bilateral relationship in various fields.

On Thursday, 10 outstanding women business leaders specializing in investing, consulting and startup businesses from China and the United States were honored.

Zhao Jing, CEO of the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation and one of the award-winners, has been working to help companies promote corporate social responsibility and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

"Unlike the traditional cultural and sports communications, we are now sharing a lot of successful experiences of Chinese companies with other firms in the US," Zhao said. "And they can work together to help reach the UN's SDGs in the world's underdeveloped areas, such as Africa," Zhao said. "And I think that's also a part of people-to-people exchanges."