Global industry leaders from different sectors offered their views on China-U.S. relationship amid the current global situation at the just-concluded Harvard College China Forum, which was held at Harvard University in the United States, from Friday to Sunday.
The event, being run for nearly 30 years, serves as a global platform to strengthen China-U.S. business and cultural ties.
Under the theme of "Navigating Changing Times", the forum this year is expected to help forge international cooperation amid the current perilous moment when there are conflicts and wars, and the economic uncertainties caused by tariffs.
"I think this year is especially important because of the trouble in the world, because of the turbulence between our countries, because of tariffs, and countervailing measures," said Roberta Lipson, founder of United Family Healthcare, an international hospital and clinic network that has been providing private, premium healthcare in China since 1997.
"We need to not forget that the U.S. and China are made of people -- proud people who want peace and prosperity. And in order for us to not forget this we need to keep talking to each other," Lipson said.
This three-day gathering includes global leaders from a diverse array of sectors including banking, food distribution, microchip, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Some guests mentioned the just-released tariffs policy from the U.S. side, which has been catching great attention in the globe.
"In spite of the tensions that have appeared certainly this week on the back of these tariffs and Liberation Day, the potential for renewed cooperation as technology that will push us in that direction, potential geopolitical cooperation, it will require readjustments on both sides, the U.S. side, but also the Chinese side. That's certainly my hope and I think such a sentiment may be closer to us than we think," said Xavier Rolet, senior fellow of the Harvard University.
Founded in 1997, the Harvard College China Forum is the longest running student-run conference on China in North America. Every year, it brings together thought leaders to talk about the most pressing issues impacting China. The annual forum takes place every April in Boston, Massachusetts.
2025 Harvard College China Forum focuses on China-US relationship
China has pledged additional emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake, aimed at supporting ongoing relief efforts with a focus on urgent needs such as medical supplies and reconstruction, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian announced on Thursday.
During a press briefing in Beijing, Lin outlined the details of the aid and summarized China's immediate involvement in the search and rescue operations following the March 28 earthquake.
"Since the outbreak of the earthquake, Chinese rescue forces have rallied around and saved lives against time. China was the first country that announced emergency assistance to Myanmar, sent rescue forces to the country, and set up settlement centers in the affected areas. The Chinese rescue team found the first trapped survivor. More than 30 rescue teams of over 600 members rushed to Myanmar for rescue work and we offered several batches of supplies, which demonstrates China's speed, contribution and kindness. This is warmly welcomed and appreciated by the people in Myanmar," said Lin.
Lin also emphasized the significance of the "pauk-phaw" friendship -- a Myanmar term for siblings - in the context of China's ongoing support.
"Myanmar's disaster response work has moved to epidemic prevention and control, as well as recovery and reconstruction. As a friendly neighbor and 'pauk-phaw' brother, China has decided to send another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies, which include the most needed refined oil, prefabricated houses, operating rooms, medicines, and vaccines. China will also dispatch medical and epidemic prevention experts for treatment and disinfection, as well as experts to examine, assess, reinforce, and repair affected buildings and cultural relics. A merciless disaster brings the best out of humanity. China will continue to promote the China-Myanmar 'pauk-phaw' friendship and, upholding the spirit of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, help the people in Myanmar overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes," Lin added.
The earthquake, which struck Mandalay on March 28, has claimed 3,649 lives, injured 5,018 people, and left 145 missing, according to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council on Wednesday.
China to provide additional emergency aid to Myanmar following earthquake: spokesman
