US-China relations improve: US experts

CHICAGO - US experts discussed the improved Sino-US relationship on Monday at an annual event organized by the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR).

The CHINA Town Hall, a national day of programing to provide Americans with the opportunity to discuss China-related issues, took place this year at 64 venues in the United States, as well as in Beijing and Hong Kong via webcasts.

"Understanding the Sino-American relationship is essential to developing and maintaining a sound US policy," NCUSCR President Stephen Orlins said.

Orlins interviewed Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State and chair of global strategy firm Albright Stonebridge Group, during a live webcast.

Albright said the overall relationship between the United States and China is quite positive, adding that the trust both sides develop is important to bilateral relations.

She believes "it's a crucial moment" given that both countries have recently undergone changes in leadership.

Albright said US President Barack Obama's interest in Asia has helped develop better relations with China, and the openness between Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Sunnylands summit has established a more personalized US-China relationship.

"It doesn't mean we have agreement on every issue," she said, adding that instead, it means the two parties can get together to discuss and confront differences.

Albright also said that in the past 40 years, the two countries have changed leadership a few times, but both sides "have endeavored to maintain stable relationship with each other".

"We have every reason to believe our relationship will continue to develop for another 40 years."

Albright also said the United States should welcome Chinese investment as it creates jobs.

Amy Celico, principal of Albright Stonebridge Group, addressed the Chicago venue attended by local business leaders, professors and students at DePaul University.

"China is an ascending power and the United States is an existing power," she told Xinhua. "There is always the danger of conflicts between any countries. But I'm more optimistic about the relationship between the United States and China.

"We are working not only on economic issues, but also on energy, climate change, financial system, and many other issues."

She said at this moment in history, China is opening up more sectors for foreign products and services, and the Shanghai Free Trade Zone indicates more change and openness in China in the future.

She emphasized that the Sino-American bilateral economic relationship is very positive now, despite existing problems.

"It's a pleasant change to get some positive perspective on the development of US-China relations," Phillip Stalley, associate professor with DePaul University said.