China and the United States, the two largest economies in the world, have a "unique role to play" in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, Gary Locke, US ambassador to China said during a Town Hall event organized by the National Committee on US-China Relations on Monday.
"We have a shared interest in working together not just for the good of our own people but really the entire people of the Asia-Pacific region and indeed all the people in the world," said Locke.
The China Town Hall event, which took place in Beijing, was broadcast live on the Internet to 60 venues across the US.
Locke was described by Stephen Orlins, moderator and president of the committee as "a man of many firsts" — the first Chinese-American to serve as ambassador to China, commerce secretary and governor (of Washington state).
Relations with China have been a hot topic in the US presidential race. On Monday — just eight days before election day — Locke's presentation highlighted issues affecting the dynamics between the world's two economic superpowers, including trade and investment and intellectual property.
Orlins said the purpose was intended to elevate discourse that, during the presidential campaign, "has lacked depth and nuance".
With the increasing economic interdependence between the two nations, Locke highlighted the vital role Chinese investments have played in the US economy.
"Chinese companies with operations in America are also making important contributions to US output and employment," he said.
"This trend is a very positive development for both China and the US because Chinese companies benefit from gaining access to the world's largest market, to a well-educated labor force and to the most modern management and corporate governance."
Temperature drops in central and eastern China
Sina Microblog
Tencent Microblog
Feedback
RSS
