Chinese and American businesses operating in each other's markets remain deeply interconnected and can serve as a bridge for subnational dialogue, business leaders and policy experts said.
More than 100 business executives, policymakers and scholars gathered in New York for "The Path Forward 2026: Mutual Benefit, Uncovering New Opportunities for US-China Economic and Trade Relations", hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA and the CGCC Foundation on Thursday.
Participants discussed the future of bilateral economic ties and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the world's two largest economies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Susan Elliott, CEO of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, emphasized that dialogue remains essential despite growing strategic competition between the two countries.
"Decoupling is neither realistic nor desirable," she said. "We must consider how to rebalance our economies in ways that support sustainable growth, resilience and long-term prosperity. These adjustments will not be simple, and they will require difficult conversations among all of us. A healthier and more sustainable economic relationship will ultimately benefit our countries and the broader international team."
