Welcome, everyone, to the 5th U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum. It’s wonderful to see so many of you here, and I’m truly honored to begin our time together. I also want to thank our partners in hosting the Forum, the China Center for International Economic Exchanges and its Chairman Bi Jingquan.

We’re gathering here at a unique moment, just ten days after the historic U.S. presidential election. With uncertainty about what the relationship will look like moving forward, this timing presents an opportunity to contribute to a peaceful future. We all have a responsibility to play a role in shaping U.S.-China ties for the years to come. 

At CUSEF, we are more than a convener of discussions. We don’t just bring people together to listen — we bring people together to lead. Our goal is to be a co-creator in what the next four years — and even the next 45 years — can look like. As a recognized leader in people-to-people diplomacy, we aim to foster genuine understanding and lasting impact.

We do this because we believe that the U.S. and China are the two most consequential countries in the world, bar none. Ladies and gentlemen, a healthy relationship is necessary if we want to live peacefully together. This vision drives everything we do at CUSEF. Bringing people and cultures together is necessary to create a strong and lasting foundation that endures beyond any one government. 

But we can’t do this alone. This Forum is a special opportunity for each and every one of you to create the future that you seek — that we all seek. So, I invite you to engage fully in the sessions ahead. You are not just bystanders, or even just participants. By being here today, you are active partners in determining whether we achieve a peaceful future or not. 

Thank you all for being here, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together over the next two days and beyond.