On March 30th, Consul General Zhao Jian gave a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third annual Michigan China Forum (MCF) hosted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (U of M). Counselor Chen Yinghui of the Consulate General, Vice Provost James Holloway of U of M, and over 200 scholars, business people and local students attended the forum.

Consul General Zhao said that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Over the past 40 years, despite the ups and downs, bilateral relationship has achieved historic development and reached a level unimaginable 40 years ago. Yet the importance of this relationship to the welfare of the people of the two countries and the broader world has not changed; the fact that our common interests far outweigh our differences has not changed; the beneficial nature of this relationship has not changed; the need for both sides to respect each other, enhance mutual trust and seek common ground while defusing differences has not changed; and the goodwill and friendship between the Chinese and American people and their aspiration for deeper mutual understanding and cooperation have not changed. It is important that we keep an open mind, follow the call of the times and will of the people, stay true to our original aspirations and renew our commitment to bilateral relations to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries and the people around the world.