On April 5th, Consul General Zhao Jian met with President Ivo Daalder of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA), the largest think tank in the U.S. Midwest, and discussed with him China-U.S. relations and other topics. Deputy Consul General Liu Jun and CCGA Director of Government and Diplomatic Programs Matt Abbott were present at the meeting.

Consul General Zhao commended the positive role of CCGA in enhancing mutual understanding between China and the U.S., and stressed that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world and its healthy and stable development serves the fundamental interests of the Chinese and American people and the people around the world. China is ready to step up cooperation with the U.S. on bilateral, regional and global levels to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries and beyond.

President Daalder said it is important for the U.S. and China to expand cooperation in addressing global challenges like climate change and food security, further enhance mutual trust and properly manage problems in bilateral trade so as to ensure sound growth of bilateral relations. The Midwestern states have a strong desire to expand exchanges and cooperation with China, and their cooperation with China is mutually beneficial with great potential. CCGA will continue to work for greater mutual understanding and practical cooperation between the two countries.