Scholars, policy experts and business leaders from China and the United States recently convened to discuss the state of bilateral relations following President Trump’s recent visit to China.
The West Lake Dialogue on China-U.S. Relations focused on three main themes: how to sustain the stabilization of China-U.S. relations through a new framework of interaction; a revisit of U.S.-China economic and high-tech competition; and opportunities for China-U.S. social exchanges and cooperation. Participants generally viewed President Trump’s recent visit to China as a positive development, while also noting that challenges remain. The discussion provided a platform for participants to share their interpretations and understanding of the newly proposed framework of constructive strategic stability. Participants from both countries emphasized the need to adopt concrete measures to ensure that stability in the bilateral relationship is durable and sustainable.
The West Lake Dialogue on China-U.S. Relations was convened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on May 25, 2026, with the support of Arsenault Family Foundation China (AFF China). The West Lake Dialogue succeeds the Jimmy Carter Forum on U.S.-China Relations, the 2025 session of which was also supported by AFF China. This year, the organizer changed the event location to Hangzhou and renamed it the West Lake Dialogue on China-U.S. Relations.
The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, in coordination with the Hangzhou Municipal Government. Hu Wei, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province; Shen Xin, Vice President of CPAFFC; Elizabeth Knup, Special Advisor on China at The Carter Center; and Ming Zhongqiang, Chief Representative of the AFF China Office, delivered remarks at the opening session.
Photo credit: the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
