The Dialogue between the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) and The Carter Center event was held on March 24 in Beijing, under the theme "The Future of China-U.S. Relations and Implications for Global Stability and Development."

Bringing together over 50 experts and scholars from leading Chinese and American think tanks and universities, the event was jointly hosted by ACCWS and The Carter Center (U.S.). Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG) and president of ACCWS, and Page Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, delivered keynote addresses at the event. 

Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG and president of ACCWS, addresses the dialogue event in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CICG]

Yu Yunquan emphasized that amid increasing uncertainties in China-U.S. relations, think tanks have a responsibility to actively promote dialogue, communication and cultural exchanges to create better conditions for stability. 

He called on both sides to take concrete actions to enhance bilateral relations, be proactive in stabilizing China-U.S. ties by fostering objective perceptions of China within various sectors of American society, facilitate pragmatic cooperation by building more bridges for exchanges at different levels, and deepen youth engagement by cultivating a new generation of "China Hands" and "America Hands."

Page Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, addresses the dialogue event in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CICG]

Page Alexander stressed that China-U.S. relations are not a zero-sum game, and both countries seek governmental cooperation based on mutual respect to achieve peaceful development and win-win outcomes, noting that promoting Track II diplomacy requires sustained effort and determination. 

She remarked that "actions speak louder than words," expressing confidence that, building on successful collaborative cases, future China-U.S. exchanges and dialogue at the societal level will continue to expand. Alexander also emphasized that people-to-people exchanges play a crucial role in identifying and reinforcing shared values between the two nations.

Experts and scholars engage in discussions at the Dialogue between ACCWS and The Carter Center event in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CICG]

Experts at the dialogue agreed that China and the U.S. share broad common interests and significant potential for cooperation. They highlighted the opportunity for the two countries to be partners in achieving mutual success and prosperity, noting that stable bilateral relations benefit both nations, and that cooperation between China and the United States is essential for addressing global challenges such as public health, socioeconomic inequality, climate change, economic fragmentation and regional conflicts. 

Participants pose for a group photo at the Dialogue between ACCWS and The Carter Center event in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CICG]

Participants also stressed the growing importance of cultural and academic exchanges in fostering better understanding and trust. Many experts expressed their hope that this dialogue mechanism would be institutionalized to ensure regular exchanges in the future.