The 3rd China-U.S.Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 29th, 2018. Ambassador Cui Tiankai sent congratulatory message to the Forum. Minister Councilor Yin Chengwu attended the Forum and read the congratulatory message.

In the message, Ambassador Cui Tiankai pointed out that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The two countries are major partners for cooperation, and a sound China-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conducive to the peace and prosperity of Asia Pacific and the world at large. The establishment of China-U.S. Sub-national Legislatures Cooperation Forum is an important outcome of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the U.S. in 2015. It has now grown into a major mechanism and platform for exchanges between sub-national legislatures and sub-national interactions. The growth of China-U.S. relations will help create a more solid framework and open up greater prospects for the sub-national cooperation, including between sub-national legislatures. It is hoped that sub-national legislative leaders of both sides would further engage in sharing and mutual learning, deepen mutual trust and cooperation, and work together to uphold and develop the bilateral relations, to the greater benefits of the two peoples.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Yin Chengwu said that China-U.S. sub-national exchanges have strengthened the bonds of interests and consolidated public support of the two countries, and bear the future of China-U.S. relations. China’s development will provide new opportunities for the growth of the U.S., including the states and constituencies where the legislative leaders come from. It is hoped that the sub-national legislatures of the two countries will help promote the development of China-U.S. relations through exchanges and cooperation.

This year’s Forum is themed at “provinces and states working together to promote cooperation”. The participants were in active interactions on how provinces and states can promote trade and educational cooperation through legislative efforts, as well as smart transportation, healthcare industry development and legislation. About 150 people attended the Forum, including President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, leaders from five Chinese provincial and municipal people’s congresses, Consul General Wang Donghua from San Francisco, President Stephen Lakis of State Legislative Leaders Foundation, and 25 legislative leaders from 16 U.S. states.