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EVENTS
POLITICS & POLICY
UCTPF Organizes U.S. Congressional Staff Delegation to Beijing and Hainan Discussion on Free Trade and Reform and Opening-Up
At the invitation of US-China Transpacific Foundation, Megan Reiss, National Security Policy Advisor of the United States Senator Mitt Romney, led a delegation of twelve congressional staff on a visit to China from April 13th 2019 to April 21st 2019. During their stay in China, they visited many institutions, organizations, and cultural sites where they exchanged their in-depth views on US-China relations, international and regional issues of common concern with their Chinese counterparts.
UCTPF organized and facilitated this visit.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits MFA, CPIFA
On the morning of April 15th, the delegation traveled to the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral trade, south China sea, Taiwan, regional security and other issues.
Afterwards, the delegates were invited to a lunch session hosted by the Vice-President of CPIFA, Mr. Zhao Weiping. The delegates had an in-depth discussion with many scholars on the development of US-China relations during the lunch session. They further expressed their gratitude to the Chinese hosts for their warm reception, and the hope that the two countries can carry out more bilateral exchanges in the future.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
On April 15th, the U.S. Congressional Staff delegation visited the Institute of World Economics and Politics (IWEP) and were invited to have a roundtable discussion with many experts and scholars.
The delegates were warmly welcomed by Mr. Zou Zhibo and Mr. Song Hong, the Deputy Directors of Institute of World Economics and Politics. After a brief introduction of the members from both sides, the delegation, as well as the IWEP experts and scholars shared their views enthusiastically on the issues of cyber security, think tank, and international trade. The insightful discussion improved mutual policy understanding between both sides.
U.S. Congressional Staff Tours Great Wall, Palace Museum and Temple of Heaven
During their stay in Beijing, the delegates also toured a series of cultural sites.
The delegation toured the Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall, witnessing the landscape, which furthers their understanding of the significance of the Great Wall in China’s history and culture. The tour to the Palace Museum and the Temple of Heaven gave the delegation the opportunity to experience the magnificent ancient Chinese palace complex, various antiques and royal sacrificial worship culture. The delegates were so amazed by the profound and longstanding Chinese culture.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits Hainan Officials
On April 17th, the U.S. Congressional Staff delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Wang Sheng, the Director General of Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province. After a brief introduction to the economic and social development of Hainan Province, the two sides exchanged views on the Free Trade Zone construction, tourism development, and environmental protection in Hainan. The delegates expressed their appreciation for the Hainan trip which enhanced their understanding of China.
US Congressional Staff Visits Office of Free Trade Zone of Hainan Province
The delegation visited Office of Free Trade Zone of Hainan Province on April 18th. Mr. Chen Lian, Deputy Director of the Office of Free Trade Zone, gave the delegates a comprehensive introduction to the development of Hainan Free Trade Zone. Afterwards, the two sides exchanged their views on Reform and Opening-Up, free trade and other issues.
US Congressional Staff Visits Qionghai Municipal People’s Congress
On April 19th, the delegation visited Qionghai Municipal People’s Congress. The two sides discussed the difficulties and challenges faced by Qionghai in carrying out grassroots democracy development, and the future development plan of Qionghai. The delegates expressed that this discussion deepened their understanding of the Socialist Democracy with Chinese Characteristics.
After the meeting, Secretary Wang Chunquan presented the delegation with a traditional Chinese porcelain, which symbolized a position of “unrivaled standing”.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits Hainan Province Planning Exhibition Hall
The delegation visited Hainan Province Planning Exhibition Hall on April 17th. Hainan Province Planning Exhibition Hall is a comprehensive exhibition hall for promoting the construction of Hainan International Tourism Island, urban and rural planning, and ecological province. The delegates got a preliminary understanding of the planning and construction of Hainan Island with the introduction by staff from the exhibition hall, and were impressed by the rapid development of Hainan’s economy since the implementation of Reform and Opening-Up policy.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits China Institute for Reform and Development
On the afternoon of April 17th, the U.S. delegation paid a visit to China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD). They were hosted by Mr. Chi Fulin, President of CIRD. After a brief introduction to the research on the Reform and Opening-Up and Free Trade Zone carried out by CIRD, the two sides exchanged views on China-US trade negotiations, intellectual property protection, and other issues.
After the discussion, President Chi presented his book, the Second Round of Opening-Up, to the delegation leader Megan Reiss and US-China Trans-Pacific Foundation Vice President Mr. Winston Nyo as a gift each.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits Hainan Airline Group
During the stay in Hainan, the delegation also visited Hainan Airline Group. The rapid growth of HNA Group from a local aviation transportation operator to a global company since the establishment in 1993 brought the delegation a new understanding of the fast development of China’s transportation industry.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits Cultural Sites in Hainan Province
During their stay in Hainan, the delegates toured a series of cultural sites.
On April 18th, the delegates traveled to Shamei Village of Qionghai City. Since the implementation of the Beautiful Village project, in just a few months, Shamei Village has greatly improved its appearance, infrastructure, and facilitated its innovative businesses. After the visit to some businesses in Shamei, the delegates developed a strong interest in China’s new model of rural ecological development.
Identified as a beautiful cultural signature of Hainan, Arcade Street depicts the unique street landscape of Haikou to the delegation members.
The trip to Li & Miao Minorities Cultural Heritage Park brought the delegation into the Li and Miao culture of Hainan and the original ethnic customs. The experience of Li’s traditional dyeing and weaving embroidery allow the delegation to be more in touch with the diverse ethnic culture, and enhanced their understanding of China’s ethnic groups.
U.S. Congressional Staff Visits New Oriental Academy
The delegates visited New Oriental Academy on April 20th, where they had a friendly conversation with Chinese youths. The delightful conversation not only promoted the delegation’s understanding of China’s education system, but also benefited the Chinese students who participated in the event.
