Semi-official Chinese delegation holds talks with former US officials, executives
- Group’s visit to New York was largest such diplomatic initiative in three years
- American side led by former AIG boss Maurice Greenberg, known for close ties with China
A diverse group of former Chinese officials and scholars visited New York early this month in the largest semi-official diplomatic initiative in Sino-US relations in three years.
The nine-day trip, which concluded on November 16 – two days after President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia – was the first by such a delegation since the end of the Communist Party’s five-yearly national congress last month.
It was seen by many as being part of efforts by both sides to de-escalate bilateral tensions.
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The group met former US officials and executives led by Maurice Greenberg, the former chairman and CEO of insurer American International Group. Greenberg, 97, is known for his close ties with China.
Lu Xiang, a Sino-US relations specialist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the trip was a positive sign for the resumption of dialogue between China and the US.
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“A visit led by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, which is a civil organisation, will allow both countries to discuss more practical issues such as trade and commerce,” Lu said.
