In a move highlighting China's continued openness to dialogue with the United States, President Xi Jinping conducted a meeting with US executives and academics at the prestigious Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. This gathering, reported by state media, follows a similar engagement in November when Xi met with US executives in San Francisco, demonstrating ongoing efforts to foster bilateral discussions in the face of rising economic and political challenges.
Following a group photo, the meeting started at 11 a.m. GMT. Following a group photo, attendees were arranged in a square formation, symbolizing a structured and inclusive dialogue. The setting was adorned with a striking floral installation, underscoring the importance of the event. Among the attendees were notable figures such as Evan Greenberg, the chief executive of US insurer Chubb, Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations, and Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council.
This high-profile audience with President Xi comes at a time when foreign businesses are navigating the complexities of Chinese policy moves, including a broader anti-espionage law and increased scrutiny on consultancies and due diligence firms. The meeting addresses these concerns and reinforces China's stance on welcoming overseas investment despite recent regulatory challenges.
The absence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang from meetings with visiting foreign CEOs at the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 24-25 sparked concerns about transparency and openness in the world's second-largest economy. Xi's engagement with US executives and academics is thus seen as a significant step towards assuaging these concerns and reaffirming China's commitment to international dialogue and cooperation.
President Xi received a standing ovation in November at a dinner with US executives hosted by the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations. This latest meeting in Beijing reinforces the importance of continuous dialogue between the two economic powerhouses amidst a backdrop of regulatory uncertainties and heightened global tensions.
