China Development Forum 2024 – Insights from Steve Orlins

By Joel Wong

The China Development Forum 2024, held in Beijing from March 24 to 25, 2024, was attended by representatives from over 30 countries. Distinguished participants included senior Chinese officials, leaders of multinationals, and representatives from international organizations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke at the forum, emphasizing China’s readiness to collaborate with all parties for a brighter future.The event provided an opportunity for global business figures to interact with Chinese government leaders and policymakers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping evidently thought that it was important enough to have a separate meeting with top American business leaders. During this meeting, Xi emphasized the mutually beneficial economic ties between the world’s two largest economies. Xi also highlighted that China had one of the highest growth rates among major economies and contributed around 30% of world economic growth in 2023. Notable attendees to this exclusive meeting included Evan Greenberg, Chief Executive of the US insurance company Chubb; Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on US-China Relations; and Craig Allen, President of the US-China Business Council.

In this interview, conducted by Tian Wei on CGTN, Steve Orlins, expresses his concerns on diplomatic interactions and geopolitical challenges between US and China.

Key Takeaways

American companies in China seek clarity on investment environments and future economic prospects.
Views on surveillance of American businesses in China and increasing divides between the U.S. and China.
Concerns over TikTok ban bill and its implications for U.S.-China relations.
Collaboration between China and the U.S. on artificial intelligence discussed as a positive development.
Progress seen in government-level discussions and interactions fostering a constructive U.S.-China relationship.
Emphasis on the importance of people-to-people interactions and cooperation for mutual benefits.
Advocacy for open dialogue, factual discussions, and courage in addressing challenges in the U.S.-China relationship.

Kevin Rudd euphemistically said that China and the US are like “a big noisy family” and their relations are “limited only by imagination.”

Let’s hope that it is not Cain and Abel!