"It's important that we continue to ... connect our educational system, our students with the students from China so that they can, at a young age, get to understand both cultures," he said.

Wu Fulin, executive vice president of Bank of China, told Xinhua that local governments and businesses of both countries have shown a strong wish for cooperation at the forum, and there are broad areas for cooperation for both sides. "Efforts should be made to bring multi-level and diversified dialogue and exchange channels into full play," he said.

"We have been more convinced than ever before that the China-U.S. relationship belongs to our people and its future should be defined by the people," Ambassador Cui said.

The ambassador's view was echoed by Bevin, who, in his closing remarks, said that suspicion and misunderstanding go away "when people talk, when people trade, when people cross cultures by going to schools in one place or the other."

United we stand, divided we fall

Officials and businessmen at the forum believed that the current disruption in bilateral trade is a temporary setback, and expressed their hope that the United States and China could soon reach a win-win trade deal.

"There's no governor in America ... that does not want these agreements to be done and done soon," said Bevin, adding that the trade dispute is hurting companies because of the uncertainty.

The Kentucky governor said he believes that the trade dispute will be resolved, and a quick settlement to the trade dispute will be better for both countries.

Habib stressed that mutual respect is needed "at the heart of any negotiation."

A trade deal, the lieutenant governor of Washington said, should help both sides have a good long-term understanding about trade dynamics, renew and refresh the rules of engagement, and make sure that "to the best of our abilities, we facilitate imports and exports."

Bevin said that the two governments need to make sure that the trade agreement is "proper" and "solid," and that both sides "get something and give something," adding that it should be able to last for years to come.

The state motto of Kentucky is "united we stand, divided we fall." Bevin used it in reference to China-U.S. relations: "when one side wins, the other side wins. When China is strong, it is good for America. When America is strong, it is good for China."

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)