US business leaders at CIIE highlight stabilizing role of US-China trade

US business leaders at the ongoing 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai have emphasized the stabilizing role of trade between the U.S. and China relations, stressing the importance of continued collaboration to navigate global challenges. Kevin Kolevar, vice president of Global Policy and Government Affairs at Dow Chemical Company, highlighted that the business relationship between the two countries is not only crucial for bilateral ties but also plays a key role in global stability.

"What we know as Dow is that the bilateral relationship between the United States and China is critical, and that business relationship between the two countries is a fundamental stabilizing force, not just for the bilateral relationship between China and the U.S., but also the U.S. and other countries around the world. So, we work very hard to make sure that the business community is a positive voice for moderation in the political environment that we see today. And [there is] a need to collaborate for business reason and other reasons," said Kolevar.

Echoing this sentiment, Jerry Felton, CEO of Melaleuca, a U.S.-based online wellness company that has been operating in China for more than two decades, emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive trade relationship despite occasional conflicts.

"Regarding U.S. and China relations, specifically in the trade arena, I think there's always great opportunity. Of course, there is conflict and there is disagreement, but in the end, I think two great partners and two leaders of the global industry, they [should] come together, and figure out a way. For us, as an American company operating in China - we've been here for 22 years, and China continues to open its doors, and as long as we are providing great service and great value, that relationship will continue to strengthen," said Felton.

The CIIE, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions this year. The event also marks a significant milestone with the participation of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry players from around the world.

US business leaders at CIIE highlight stabilizing role of US-China trade

A new direct passenger flight route from Ningbo City of east China's Zhejiang Province to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh opened on Wednesday, which also marked the first international flight out of the city's airport in 2025.

The new flight departs from the Ningbo Lishe International Airport at 13:30 and takes just under four and a half hours to reach the Cambodian capital. Operated by Cambodian airlines, it is scheduled to fly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the return flight departing Phnom Penh at 07:40 local time on the same days.

The direct route provides an important travel option for tourists, especially those from Ningbo and the surrounding areas. Pang Cuili, a Ningbo resident who had to transit in Shanghai for a midnight arrival in Phnom Penh, said the new service now offers much greater convenience.

"We'll fly at 13:30 and arrive at around 16:50. It’s very convenient [timing] for us to check into the hotel after arriving," she said.

As the capital and largest city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has long been an important international aviation hub in Southeast Asia, with the new route giving a further boost to the economic and cultural exchanges between Ningbo and ASEAN countries.

"Today marks the first flight of Ningbo Airport's regular direct passenger service to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The opening of this route is also an important move for the airport to help implement the Belt and Road Initiative, enriching international passenger transport routes, and further speeding up the recovery of the international market," said Chen Qiaoyu, manager of the Market Development Department at the Ningbo Lishe International Airport.

As Cambodia Airlines' first route out of Ningbo Airport, the new service also signals the airline's broader plans to connect various parts of China with Cambodia in the coming year.

Ningbo airport launches first direct flight to Phnom Penh