The Sixth China-US Relations Conference, hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Texas A&M University, co-hosted by Peking University Health Science Center and the Texas Medical Center was held from May 11 to 13 in Houston, Texas, United States. The participants include Mr. Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and president of China-US People’s Association, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai to the U.S., President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC, Vice Minister Liu Qian of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Neil Bush, third son of former U.S. President George H.W.Bush and president of the Points of Light Foundation, President Michael Young of Texas A&M University, Mayor Annise Parker of Houston, Thomas Frieden, Director of U.S. Centers for Disease Control. U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Bidden sent congratulatory messages respectively to the conference. President Obama said “The world we live in today is a community of nations. The United States and China are dedicated to realizing a future that shines with the health of all people---one we will only reach by working together. In addressing global health challenges, America and China have a common interest of historic consequence. Together, America and China can rise to the challenges of our changing world and meet our moral obligations.” Vice President Bidden said that the cooperation between U.S. and China on global issues like infectious diseases are doing the ground work for US-China relations, and will benefit all people.
Xu Kuangdi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference. He spoke highly of the great impact that the past five China-US Relations Conferences have made and highly commended President George H.W. Bush’s consistent efforts and contribution to the development of China-US relations and the growth of China-US friendship, as well as Neil Bush’s efforts in carrying on this conference forward. He also praised the great efforts that the hosting organizations---the CPAFFC and Texas A&M University have done. He pointed out that in the 21st century, the world is faced with increasing nonconventional security and global challenges. It is crucial for China and the U.S. to work together in combating the common challenges, which is pivotal for peace and progress of mankind.
In her speech, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin said that ever since 2003 when the conference was initiated by former U.S. President George H.W Bush, it has grown into an important platform where people from the political, economic, academic and other fields exchange ideas and hold dialogue on bilateral and global issues. The theme of this year’s conference is “Global Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Preparedness and Response”. This is the first time that the China-US Relations Conference focuses on a particular issue of global nature. In the future, the conference will also cover the areas of the food safety and security, and environmental protection.
Ambassador Cui Tiankai said in his remarks that as two largest economies and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China and the U.S. are having effective cooperation in such areas as the world economy, counter-terrorism, disaster prevention and relief, and prevention of infectious diseases, including helping the West African countries fight against Ebola Crisis. This year’s conference is about the cooperation of China and the U.S. on global infectious diseases. It is an important part in the building of a new model of China-US major country relationship. He hoped that professionals from various fields of the two countries will play their unique role and contribute to China-US exchange and cooperation.
As the co-chair of the conference, Neil Bush said that the conference is an important legacy from his father George H.W. Bush, which is aimed at promoting better understanding, closer relations, and better cooperation between the two great nations in the 21st century. He will carry on his father’s legacy to work for US-China relations and the future development of the conference.
During the conference, over 400 government officials, experts and business leaders attended the conference and held in-depth discussion on national preparedness of public health, emergence response, prevention and control of infectious diseases like Ebola, and the role of private sector in the global health response system. They also brought up constructive proposals on the future cooperation of China and the U.S. in relevant fields.
Before the conference opens, Xu Kuangdi, Li Xiaolin, Cui Tiankai and Li Qiangmin paid a visit to President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush at Neil Bush’s home in Houston.
