On the evening of February 23rd, 2019, Acting Consul General Liu Jun was invited to attend the Detroit Chinese Business Association’s (DCBA) 24th New Year Gala. Commercial Counselor Zou Xiaoming, President Gao Bonian of DCBA, US Representative Andy Levin of Michigan, President Jeff Mason of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and over 350 people from Detroit’s business community were also in attendance.

In his speech, Acting Consul General Liu Jun remarked, “China and the United States share the most important bilateral relationship in the world—it is also mutually beneficial by nature. When both sides cooperate, benefit abounds. Conflict, however, leads only to a dead end. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations. Over the past 40 years, China and the US have witnessed gales and flurries, trials and tribulations, yet I believe there is no obstacle we are not fit to overcome. It is in our ability to maintain the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. Michigan, perhaps more than any other state in the US, shares close economic ties with China. I hope DCBA and Michigan’s business community continue to contribute to the economic and trade relations both sides have been proud of.” Acting Consul General Liu Jun then gave a brief summary of China’s first International Import Expo (CIIE) and welcomed all US businesses to actively participate in the second CIIE.

Jeff Mason mentioned that China and the United States are partners—not competitors. Michigan is a powerhouse in the automobile manufacturing industry while China happens to be home to the world’s largest automobile market. It is for this reason, among others, that Michigan and China have always maintained close cooperation. Mason remarked that while there are currently a host of uncertainties regarding bilateral relations, Michigan still hopes to share future development opportunities with China. He concluded by announcing that Michigan will host its second "China Week" event series in June.

Apart from attending the gala, Acting Consul General Liu Jun and Commercial Counselor Zou Xiaoming visited the Automotive Safety Products Division of Joyson Electronics to better understand the company’s operations.