On April 14, Consul General Hong Lei was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled "China-US Relations at the New Starting Point" at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Zhang Hongming from the university's Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, Deputy Consul General Liu Jun, Education Counselor Chen Yinghui and over 500 university teachers and students attended the event.

Consul General Hong Lei said that as two major countries with global influence, the importance of China-US relations is self-evident. Earlier this month, President Xi Jinping held a meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of common concern and reached a series of important consensus.

Consul General Hong Lei said that the meeting was very important, timely and effective. The two sides have charted the course for bilateral relations from the highest level, and set up a framework and made the top design for the future of China-US relations. The meeting has achieved the original goal of enhancing mutual understanding, establishing mutual trust and reaching common consensus as well as a smooth transition of China-US relations, which served as a good start for bilateral relations in the new era. We have every reason to believe that this meeting will play an important role in overcoming difficulties, eliminating interferences and moving forward on the right track for bilateral relations. At the same time, it will also have a significant impact on promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large.

Consul General Hong Lei said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 38 years ago, China-US relations have maintained a good momentum of development. The exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education and other fields have been fruitful, which have brought tangible benefits to the people in the two countries and the world. At the new starting point for the development of China-US relations, the two sides should follow the historical development trend, continue to enhance mutual trust, further strengthen cooperation and achieve common development and prosperity.

After the speech, Consul General Hong Lei also answered questions from the audience on the Belt and Road Initiative, China-US economic and trade relations, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and China's environmental policy. The event enjoyed a warm atmosphere.