Li Qiang urges U.S.-China to work in the same direction at New York business event
Premier says the relationship is the world's most important bilateral partnership and calls for coordinated action as Li meets American executives ahead of UN speeches
In New York on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told about 20 American business executives that the United States and China must work in the same direction to advance what he described as the most important bilateral relationship in the world. He said the insights of the business leaders were valuable and that the actions they take are crucial.
The closed-door discussion was hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. The National Committee said the meeting touched on economic, investment and trade issues and the potential for greater cooperation on shared concerns. Journalists were escorted from the room after Li's brief opening remarks.
Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee, said it is essential to American interests that business leaders and policy experts have the opportunity to discuss key issues, address concerns and maintain working relationships with Chinese leaders.
Li was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly's annual meeting of world leaders, leading China's delegation on behalf of President Xi Jinping. He is due to deliver China's main speech to the assembly on Friday.
The meeting comes at a delicate but dynamic moment for relations between the world's two biggest economies. The two countries dispute issues ranging from trade and tariffs to TikTok ownership, semiconductor supply and minerals, amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Li reaffirmed that the China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral partnership in the world, and that its steady development requires both governments to work in the same direction.
The gathering comes as top Chinese officials and the U.S. administration navigate a period of heightened scrutiny of each other's policies. Earlier, Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump in a lengthy phone call last week. Trump said the two plan to meet in person at an Asian regional summit next month in South Korea and that he intends to visit China next year.