USCBC Gala Honors Ambassador Zhang and Governor Huntsman

The US-China Business Council (USCBC) held its 2012 Gala on December 6 at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC. The event honored China’s Ambassador to the United States Zhang Yesui, and former Governor of Utah and US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, Jr. Nearly 400 people from more than 40 member companies attended the event. Special guests included CH Tung, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), co-chair of the US-China Working Group.

In his remarks, Zhang said that it is a unique time for US-China relations because it is the first time in history that the political leadership transitions of both countries coincided. He noted that the United States and China should not be in a “zero sum” relationship and that China is committed to deepening its reform and opening up.

Robert McDonald, CEO and chairman of the Procter and Gamble Co. and USCBC chair, moderated a question and answer session with Huntsman. In his discussion, Huntsman said it was important for the US-China relationship to be “humanized.” He also discussed ways US-China bilateral dialogues, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, could be more effective.

USCBC also made a $17,500 donation to the Peach Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children in farming areas of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces further their education. The gift will provide financial aid to about 60 students for a year of their high school education.