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Gala 2024
5:45 PM – 9:30 PM Eastern Time
Washington, DC
USCBC GALA 2024
Managing US-China Relations in 2025 and Beyond
The US-China Business Council (USCBC) on December 11 held its annual gala in Washington, DC. The event convened American business leaders, US and Chinese government officials, scholars, and other stakeholders in the US-China commercial relationship to celebrate the organization and its members. This year’s gala theme was “Managing US-China Relations in 2025 and Beyond.”
Featured speakers
US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago delivered this year’s keynote address. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng also gave remarks, and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns sent a video message that was played at the event. Lago and Xie each read letters of support for USCBC and its mission from President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, respectively.
Guests also heard from USCBC President Craig Allen, incoming USCBC President Sean Stein, and USCBC Board Chair and FedEx President and CEO Raj Subramaniam.
New board directors and officers
The following directors and officers were elected at USCBC’s semi-annual board meeting earlier in the day:
- Ryan McInerney (CEO, Visa Inc.): Vice Chair
- Tom Monahan (CEO, Heidrick & Struggles): Director
- Michael Nelson (CEO, Amway): Director
Incoming USCBC President Sean Stein was appointed as an officer and succeeds outgoing President Craig Allen.
Passing the baton
Gala 2024 paid special tribute to Craig Allen, who is stepping down after nearly seven years of leading the council. In his remarks as the distinguished honoree, Allen reflected on the history of US-China engagement, emphasizing that “the ability to keep commerce, ideas, people and investments flowing between the US and China will be a key determinant—perhaps the key determinant—of global peace and stability for the decades and even the centuries ahead.”
Incoming President Sean Stein delivered closing remarks, in which he reiterated USCBC’s enduring commitment to preserving the US-China commercial relationship.
Gala highlights
Under Secretary Marisa Lago gives keynote remarks at USCBC's annual gala in 2024.
Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng speaks at USCBC's annual gala in 2024.
US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns gives virtual remarks at USCBC's annual gala in 2024.
Outgoing USCBC President Craig Allen hands the baton to incoming President Sean Stein at USCBC's annual gala in 2024.
Gala 2024
