The CCG’s ‘track-II’ diplomacy’ in America (III) – Exploring the cooperation opportunities for Chinese and American think tanks with Asia Society

To facilitate the cultural exchange between China and America and develop ‘track-II’ diplomacy, China’s leading independent think tank, Center for China and Globalization (CCG) launched a trek to America between September 29, 2017 and October 4, 2017.

On the afternoon of Sep 29, CCG visited the headquarter of Asia Society in New York and exchanged opinions on issues such as the development of think tanks in both countries and the two parties’ future cooperation and regional governance. Josette Sheeran, the President and CEO of Asia Society, Debra Eisenman, the Executive Director of Asia Society Policy Institute, Jackson Edwin, the Director of Asia Development, Jeff Wang, the Program Director of China Learning Initiatives of Asia Society, Minyoung Shin, the Senior Researcher of Asia Development as well as Patrick Ingle, the Special Assistant and Advisor of the Head of Asia Society Research Institute joined in the meeting.

During the visit, CCG shared with Asia Society its research results on the development of talents, the globalization of enterprises and the cooperation between China and America. CCG also viewed the reports published by Asia society, including ‘Advice for the 45th US President: Opinions from Across the Pacific’ and ‘Preserving the Long Peace in Asia: The Institutional Building Blocks of Long-Term Regional Security’. Additionally, the two groups reached a consensus on future cooperation.

Asia Society was a non-profit, non-governmental and non-party organization founded by the Rockefellers in 1956. It has been the most influential institute in America and the Asia- Pacific area in studying the policy on Asia and education. The meeting was hosted by Josette Sheeran, the President and CEO of Asia Society and the former Deputy Secretary of State of America. Ms. Sheeran used to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the George Bush’s government. She was responsible for economic, commercial and agricultural affairs. At the moment, Asia Society is dedicated to establishing mutual understanding between the American government and Asian countries.

Prior to President Trump’s visit to China and after the first- round cultural and social communication between China and America led by Liu Yandong, the Vice Premier of State Council, the cultural exchange between the two countries was the main force in driving the long-term development of the two countries’ relations. Through this visit, CCG aims to deepen the mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and help think tanks play a bigger role in influencing government policies and the development of companies.

CCG’s visit to America began on Sep 29. The visit will last six days. On Oct 2, the team will travel to Washington D.C. and organize an investment forum at Capitol Hill. After that, the team will visit the U.S. Department of Commerce and organize several symposiums with world-class think tanks in America, including The Heritage Foundation and Migration Policy Institute.

As a leading independent think tank from China, CCG’s visit has facilitated and materialized the cultural exchange and cooperation between China and America. The CCG team includes the following participants: Wang Huiyao, the President of CCG, Miao Lu, the Secretary-General of CCG, Li Weifeng, the Executive Secretary-General of CCG, Tang Beijie, the Deputy Secretary-General, Xiao Huilin, the Senior Researcher of CCG, Wang Zhi, the Non-Resident Senior Fellow of CCG, and Li Yeqing, the Non-Resident Senior Fellow.