RUCNAAA & The Carter Center Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of China-U.S. Relations

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, the RUCNAAA (Renmin University of China North America Alumni Association) in collaboration with the Carter Center, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, held a grand commemorative event at the Carter Center headquarters in Atlanta on December 15th. The event aimed to analyze and discuss the history, current state, and future of China-U.S. relations, paying tribute to this historic moment that has created a new era. Vice President of Renmin University, He Yaomin, Chinese Consul General in Houston, Li Qiangmin, former Chairman of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, Robert Kapp, and other distinguished guests were invited to deliver speeches. Nearly 200 attendees, including alumni from Renmin University and individuals from various sectors such as Chinese diaspora, Chinese Americans, and friends of China from Georgia, New York, Washington D.C., California, Texas, Connecticut, Minnesota, Washington state, South Carolina, Florida, and mainland China, attended the event.

On December 15, 1978, the governments of China and the United States issued a joint communiqué, announcing the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979. This decision marked the beginning of a new era. The following year, at the invitation of then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, Deng Xiaoping, made an official visit to the United States. During the visit, Deng Xiaoping and Jimmy Carter, on behalf of the governments of China and the United States respectively, signed agreements on scientific and technological cooperation and cultural exchanges. Over the past 40 years, this bilateral relationship has not only transformed both the United States and China but also had a profound impact on the world as a whole.

"Congratulations Letter from Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter"

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who is now 94 years old, has made a special exception to send a congratulatory letter, celebrating the convening of the symposium. In his letter, he expressed, "It was very difficult to imagine that 40 years ago, elite Chinese universities like RUC could establish such active and robust alumni association in America. Your association is a testament to how far China has advanced, and what can be achieved when a nation invests in education." He encouraged Renmin University alumni to continue being a bridge between China and the United States, stating, "I hope you will do more in the coming years to make our bilateral relationship an anchor for global peace and prosperity."

"I have a dream that the future of China-U.S. relations will be as sweet as Georgia peaches and as delightful as Atlanta's Coca-Cola."

——Yue Jingsheng,

Chairman of the Renmin University of China North America Alumni Association

Yue Jingsheng, Chairman of the Renmin University of China North America Alumni Association, and Liu Yawei, Director of the China Program at the Carter Center, delivered the welcoming remarks. Yue Jingsheng expressed gratitude for the significant decision that changed the course of history 40 years ago, thanked the comprehensive cooperation with the Carter Center, and appreciated the strong support from alumni and friends from all walks of life. He said, "I have a dream that the future of China-U.S. relations will be as sweet as Georgia peaches and as delightful as Atlanta's Coca-Cola." Liu Yawei reflected on the promotion and assistance he has received in his personal life and career through friendly exchanges between China and the United States. He emphasized the profound significance of the China-U.S. relationship for both countries, their people, and the world at large, and expressed his hope for harmonious coexistence and joint efforts in promoting global peace and prosperity.

"I hope that the two countries can coexist harmoniously and jointly promote global peace and prosperity."

——Liu Yawei, Director of the Carter Center China Program.

RUC Vice President He Yaomin delivered a speech, stating that the joint event organized by the North America Alumni Association and the Carter Center holds significant meaning. He emphasized the importance of remembering those who have made contributions, using the proverbial phrase "When you drink water, remember the person who dug the well." At this crucial moment, we are particularly willing to pay tribute to Deng Xiaoping and Carter. Renmin University of China also hopes to contribute more to the improvement of Sino-US relations. He mentioned that in the face of challenges in Sino-US relations, tolerance is like water, and cooperation is like a boat. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, as well as the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, scholars and alumni of Renmin University should have their own voices and make efforts to promote the positive development of Sino-US relations. Reflecting on the difficulties, challenges, and pressures faced by both China and the United States 40 years ago, He emphasized that now, in the face of certain difficulties, it is necessary for both sides to demonstrate tremendous goodwill to promote improvement. This is not only the world's need and the need for development but also the need of the two peoples.

"At the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, as well as the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, scholars and alumni of Renmin University should have their own voices."

——He Yaomin, Vice President of Renmin University of China.

Under the witness of Vice President He Yaomin and Chairman Yue Jingsheng, Guo Haiying, Vice President of the Renmin University Alumni Association, presented an honorary certificate to Wu Yafeng, President of the North America Alumni Association, congratulating the North America Alumni Association on being recognized as the "Outstanding Alumni Organization of Renmin University of China" for the year 2018.

Ambassador Li Qiangmin of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, in his speech, expressed that China, the United States, and the world as a whole have benefited from the normalization of Sino-US relations. Over the past 40 years, there have been tremendous changes in trade, personnel exchanges, cultural interactions, and security exchanges between China and the United States. Now, at the age of forty, it is time to review the bilateral relationship between China and the United States. Both sides should objectively and correctly perceive each other. China pursues peaceful development and has no intention to challenge or replace the United States. China's main challenge and task lie in improving the living standards of its people. He mentioned that the leaders of the two countries had a productive meeting during the G-20 summit in Argentina, and officials in charge are engaging in close cooperation. China has also taken measures to ease trade tensions. Now, both sides face the same opportunities to safeguard their economic relationship and benefit their peoples.

"At the age of forty, it is time to review the bilateral relationship between China and the United States. Both sides should perceive each other objectively and correctly."

——Li Qiangmin, Chinese Consul General in Houston.

Dr. Stephen A. Orlins, the former chairman of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and Senior Advisor to the Carter Center China Program, is a China expert whose connections with China can be traced back to the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. He reminisced about several wonderful moments in his interactions with China, expressing admiration for the country. He acknowledged that both countries currently face numerous challenges, and many Americans may not be too optimistic about the Sino-U.S. relationship. While he believed that decisions such as the normalization of relations and supporting China's accession to the World Trade Organization were correct, he also recognized the need to consider how the relationship between the two countries can create opportunities. This should encompass not only national interests but also the specific individual aspects of both peoples, including individuals, families, communities, businesses, and society as a whole. He stated that looking back at the past 40 years or even longer, it becomes evident that China's development has not been a linear process. He expressed confidence in China's ability to adjust its course and pursue its interests through the right path.

"We must consider how the relationship between the two countries can create opportunities, not only at the level of national interests but also at the specific individual level of both peoples. It should encompass individuals, families, communities, businesses, society, and more."

——Dr. Stephen A. Orlins, former Chairman of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

First Panel Discussion "Politics and Diplomacy"

Moderated by Liu Yawei, the following individuals were in attendance: Mary Bullock, former Executive Vice President of Duke Kunshan University; David Helenniak, former Vice President of Morgan Stanley; Shi Yinhong, Professor at the School of International Relations, Renmin University of China; Dennis Lockhart, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Khairy Tourk, Professor at the Stuart School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology; and Zhao Jing, CEO of the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation. The panel focused on various topics related to China-US educational exchange, investment cooperation, political relations, monetary policy, economic policy, and corporate social responsibility.

Second Panel Discussion: Trade and Investment

Dawson Lee, Director of the North America Alumni Association and President of Benimax Investment Group, chaired the group discussion on "Trade and Investment." The discussion was attended by Li Shanquan, Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Manager at Oberheimer Fund, Lu Anxiuju, CEO of China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) Coca-Cola Beverages Limited, Patricia Buckley, Partner at Deloitte, Benjamin Shobert, Forbes journalist and author of the book "Blaming China," Wang Zhu, Lawyer at Steptoe & Johnson Law Firm, and Wu Qing, Co-President of Giant Stone Group USA. Drawing from their respective professional experiences, they collectively discussed the impact of Sino-US relations on financial investment, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, the development of multinational corporations in China, and the expansion of Chinese companies in the United States.

The high-quality seminar sparked great interest among the audience, and the witty and humorous speeches of the guests constantly received enthusiastic applause. The audience actively participated and eagerly asked questions.

During the subsequent dinner reception, Major General Bernard Loeffke, retired from the United States Army and the first US military attaché to China, shared his stories about his experiences in US-China exchanges.

Bernard Loeffke, the first US military attaché to China.

Finally, Wu Yafeng, the President of the North America Alumni Association, delivered the closing speech. He expressed gratitude to the Carter Center for their collaboration, the excellent insights shared by the guests, the active participation of the audience, the generous support of the sponsors, and the selfless dedication of the volunteers. He stated that as beneficiaries and witnesses of the China-US exchanges, we all have many stories, and when all these stories are combined, they form a profound history. Forty years ago, both countries faced challenges even greater than those of today, but the leaders of both nations, through their wisdom, created a new era. Today, he believes that by relying on the collective wisdom of the people of both countries, we will find ways to overcome temporary difficulties and create a better tomorrow.

"As beneficiaries and witnesses of the China-US exchanges, our stories, when combined, form a profound history."

——Wu Yafeng, President of the North America Alumni Association of Renmin University of China.

This event received sponsorship and support from various companies and organizations, including Benimax Investment Group, Great China Supermarket, Runyuan Outdoor Group, Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation, Coca-Cola, China Economic Policy Research Center, Atlanta China Chamber of Commerce, Giant Stone Group, Atlanta International Education Group, Chinese Professionals Association, Cornerstone Bank, HbaTL Investment Company, New Golden Buddha Restaurant, as well as assistance from the various state associations in the United States and the Salomon Group.

Media Coverage:

Xinhua News Agency: Chinese and American Scholars Hold Symposium to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

http://www.xinhuanet.com/2018-12/16/c_1123859770.htm

Xinhua News Agency (English): U.S., Chinese Experts Mark 40th Anniversary of Country Ties

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-12/16/c_137678469.htm

China News Service: Symposium Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of China-US Diplomatic Relations Held at the Carter Center in Atlanta, USA http://www.chinanews.com/hr/2018/12-16/8703658.shtml

China Daily: 40 Years of Opening-Up Stories http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201812/17/WS5c17b92da3107d4c3a0014b6.html

Host：

RUC North America

Alumni Association

The China Program

of The Carter Center

Sponsorship：

Special Thanks：

About RUC-NAAA

RUC North America Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, formally registered in June 2015 in the United States of America. Our mission is to build a communication platform for RUC alumni members to connect each other, share knowledge and experience, as well as create more opportunities and channels in mutual benefit and career development for many more RUC alumni all over the world.

About the China Program of The Carter Center

The China Program of The Carter Center is dedicated to advancing US-China relationship under the leadership of President Jimmy Carter, who, together with Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping, made the decision to establish diplomatic relationship between the US and China on January 1, 1979. It ties to reduce misperception of each other, identify common interests in responding to global and regional challenges and introduce pilots of US-China cooperation in third countries.