把握“十五五”新机遇，共创中美关系新未来

Seize new opportunities presented by China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and jointly create a brighter future for China-U.S. relations

谢锋大使在世界贸易中心协会全球商业论坛开幕式上的主旨演讲

Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador Xie Feng at the Opening Ceremony of the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum

尊敬的各位来宾，

女士们，先生们，朋友们：

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

大家上午好！很高兴来费城出席第56届世界贸易中心协会全球商业论坛。今年论坛主题“历史根基，未来合作：开拓商业新疆域”，既回顾历史，更前瞻未来合作，正当其时。我谨向论坛成功举办表示热烈祝贺！

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to attend the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia. The theme this year, “Historic Foundations, Future Collaborations: Cultivating New Business Frontiers”, could not be more relevant, as it invites us to both revisit history, and look ahead to future collaboration. First of all, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the opening of the forum.

2026年对于中美两国都是承前启后、继往开来的关键一年。中国“十五五”规划开局起步，上个月我作为全国政协委员参加两会，见证了“十五五”规划审议通过。这份规划擘画了今后5年中国推进中国式现代化的路线图，制订了“施工图”，也为世界提供了共享中国发展机遇的新指南，发出了“邀请函”。如何更好理解这份规划？我想同大家分享四点体会。

For both China and the United States, the year 2026 is a crucial year for building on the past and paving the way for the future. In China, this year marks the beginning of our 15th Five-Year Plan. Last month, I had the honor to attend the annual “two sessions” as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, at which I witnessed the adoption of the plan. The 15th Five-Year Plan is both a roadmap for advancing Chinese modernization in the coming five years, and an invitation to the rest of the world to share in China’s development opportunities. So how can we better understand it? I would like to share with you four key terms.

一是民生为大。中国谋划“十五五”时期经济社会发展，根本价值取向是造福人民。规划所列的20项主要指标中有7项都涉及民生，占比超1/3。围绕人的全生命周期，民生保障将从“有”向“优”不断升级：三岁以下婴幼儿入托率提高6%，劳动年龄人口平均受教育年限提高到11.7年，人均预期寿命增加至80岁。今后5年，中国将加强普惠性、基础性、兜底性民生建设，让全体中国人民过上更美好的生活。

First, people-centered. China puts people first in mapping out economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Among the 20 main indicators outlined in the plan, seven, which is more than one-third of the total, focus on improving people’s wellbeing throughout all stages of life, shifting the emphasis from ensuring basic coverage to enhancing service quality. For instance, we will boost childcare enrollment for children under three years old by 6%, increase the average duration of education for the working-age population to 11.7 years, and raise our average life expectancy to 80 years. In the coming five years, China will ensure that public services are inclusive, meet essential needs, and provide a cushion for people most in need, so that all our people can lead a better life.

二是创新驱动。创新是引领发展的第一动力。“十五五”规划强调，要推动科技创新和产业创新深度融合，不断催生新质生产力。人工智能已成为新一轮创新浪潮的引擎，中国在向世界贡献DeepSeek、Seedance等成果的同时，倡议成立世界人工智能合作组织，提出“人工智能+”国际合作倡议，推动向善普惠发展。今后5年，中国科技创新将培育更多“明天”的战略性新兴产业、“后天”的支柱产业，为全球创新发展注入更强劲动力。

Second, innovation-driven. Innovation is the primary driving force behind development. The 15th Five-Year Plan stresses the importance of pursuing full integration between technological and industrial innovation, and keeping fostering new quality productive forces. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key driver of the current wave of innovation. Apart from sharing with the world products such as DeepSeek and Seedance, China has also proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and put forward the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative, advocating AI for good and for all. In the coming five years, China will foster more strategic emerging industries of “tomorrow” and pillar industries of “the day after tomorrow”, which will give stronger impetus to global innovative development.

三是绿色转型。绿水青山就是金山银山。“十五五”时期的中国将在绿色技术、绿色能源、绿色金融等方面百尺竿头更进一步。保护生态环境、应对气候变化仍然是人类面临的一项紧迫任务。近期国际局势启示我们，油气等化石能源产地集中，往往需要进口和国际运输，而风和光等新能源则取之不尽用之不竭，可以成为重要补充。今后5年，中国将继续做绿色发展的“行动派”，为世界环境和气候治理作出独特贡献。

Third, green transition. Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will go further in green technology, green energy, and green finance. Protecting the ecosystem and addressing climate change remain a pressing challenge for humanity. The recent international situation has reminded us that, fossil fuels such as oil and gas are highly concentrated, and countries often need to import and transport them across borders. In comparison, renewable energy such as wind and solar power is inexhaustible, and can serve as an important complement. In the coming five years, China will continue to be a doer in green development, and make its unique contributions to global environmental and climate governance.

四是开放合作。开放是各国繁荣发展的必由之路，也是中国式现代化的鲜明标识。“十五五”时期的中国将稳步推进制度型开放，有序扩大服务领域自主开放，在金融、医疗、教育、数据跨境流动等领域对接国际高标准规则。中国将持续办好进博会、广交会、服贸会等重大展会，高标准建设海南自由贸易港。今后5年，中国将持续扩大高水平对外开放，与世界各国共享发展机遇。

Fourth, open cooperation. Openness is the path every country needs to take to achieve prosperity and development, and also a defining hallmark of Chinese modernization. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will steadily deepen institutional opening up, take the initiative to open the service sector wider, and align with high-standard international rules in areas including finance, medical services, education, and cross-border data flow. China will continue to hold major events such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, and the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and build the Hainan Free Trade Port with high standards. In the coming five years, China will further expand high-standard opening up, and share development opportunities with the rest of the world.

“十五五”时期的中国生机盎然、潜力无限，欢迎各国有识之士抓住历史机遇，到中国大市场、世界“竞技场”投资兴业、做大做强。

So during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the world will see a China brimming with vitality and full of potential. We welcome friends with vision from all countries to seize the historical opportunities, to invest, grow and prosper in the Chinese market, which has become a global arena. At least four key opportunities are now emerging:

一是把握超大规模市场机遇。市场是当今世界最稀缺的资源，中国正在加快形成全球最大、最富活力的消费市场。欢迎更多外资企业来华投资先进制造、现代服务、高新技术等产业，特别是“十五五”时期开放试点的增值电信、生物技术、外商独资医院等领域。

First, the opportunity presented by China’s huge market. Market is the scarcest resource in today’s world. In China, the world’s largest and most vibrant consumer market is taking shape at a faster pace. We welcome more foreign-funded businesses to invest in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, and high-tech industries in China, and especially in value-added telecom services, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, where we will further expand opening-up trials during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

二是把握全球领先的创新生态体系机遇。中国拥有全球规模最大、门类最齐全、体系最完整的工业体系和日益涌现的人才红利，叠加便利的基础设施和海量多元应用场景，意味着实验室里的“1”可以快速转化为生产线上的“100”，将创新转化成产业红利。

Second, the opportunity presented by China’s world-leading innovation ecosystem. China has the world’s largest, most complete, and most comprehensive industrial system, as well as fast-emerging talent dividends. Combined with the convenient infrastructure and a vast range of application scenarios, this means “1” in the lab can be quickly scaled to “100” on the production line, translating innovation into tangible industrial value.

三是把握新能源迭代发展机遇。中国拥有世界最大的清洁能源体系、最完整的新能源产业链，是全球绿色技术的“试验田”与推广场。欢迎各方加入绿色低碳赛道，同中方共同发展清洁能源、低碳产业、循环经济，共享绿色红利。

Third, the opportunity presented by China’s new energy revolution. With the world’s largest clean energy system and most complete new energy industry chain, China is a pilot field and a rollout platform for global green technologies. We welcome various sides to enter the green and low-carbon sector, join hands with China to develop clean energy, low-carbon industries, and circular economy, and share the benefits of green development.

四是把握一流营商环境机遇。中国“一张蓝图绘到底”，规划科学衔接、政策连续稳定。我们持续打造市场化、法治化、国际化的营商环境，让外企在华安心舒心。例如，美国雅保公司在四川的氢氧化锂电池项目仅2天就完成审批流程。在全球不确定性加剧背景下，中国致力于做世界的“稳定性港湾”“可预测伙伴”。相信中国就是相信明天，投资中国就是投资未来。

Fourth, the opportunity presented by China’s first-class business environment. China is good at keeping working on the same blueprint until it becomes reality. Our plans are consistent, and our policies stable. We are continuously fostering a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, so that foreign companies can feel at ease in China. For instance, it took only two days for the American company Albemarle Corporation to obtain approval for its lithium hydroxide battery project in Sichuan Province. In an increasingly uncertain world, China is committed to being a “harbor of stability” and “predictable partner”. Believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future.

女士们、先生们、朋友们，

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

当前，世界很不太平，和平与发展遭受严重威胁。面对动荡的世界，大家愈发深刻认识到，一个稳定、健康、可持续发展的中美关系不仅符合双方利益，更是全球和平与繁荣的“压舱石”、“推进器”和“动力源”。换句话说，只有中美关系行稳致远，两国人民方能受益，世界稳定和发展才有保障。过去几年，中美关系经历波折仍破浪前行，殊为不易。展望未来，两国合作既面临严峻挑战，也存在难得机遇。我们要拿出更大的勇气与智慧，处理好当前关乎两国关系健康前行的四个关键问题。

The world today is far from tranquil, and peace and development are facing serious threats. Amid all the turbulence, people have come to realize more clearly that, a stable, sound, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship not only meets the interests of both sides, but also serves as a ballast, propeller and engine of global peace and prosperity. In other words, only with the steady and sustained development of China-U.S. relations can both our peoples benefit and global stability and development be secured. In the recent few years, China-U.S. relations have forged ahead despite ups and downs, which has not come easily. Looking ahead, we face both grave challenges and rare opportunities in bilateral cooperation. The two sides need to show greater courage and wisdom, and properly handle four key issues that bear on the healthy development of bilateral relations.

一要树立正确战略认知，下决心做伙伴而非当对手。中美是伙伴还是对手，是决定两国关系发展的根本性问题，是必须扣好的“第一粒纽扣”。事实反复证明，无论是为美国民众提供可负担的优质生活必需品，还是应对芬太尼等挑战，无论是振兴美国造船、汽车等传统工业，还是开拓人工智能、生物医药、和平利用外空等新领域，抑或是推动地区热点难点问题降温趋稳，哪一项、哪一件都离不开中美合作！中国无意挑战或取代美国，美国则应该摒弃冷战思维，停止对华打压和遏制，下决心同中国做伙伴、做朋友，这样才能共同办成更多惠中美、利世界的大事、实事、好事。

First, it is important to establish a right strategic perception, and choose to be partners rather than rivals. How should we perceive each other, partners or rivals? This is always fundamental to the China-U.S. relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. Facts have proven time and again that, from providing affordable, high-quality daily necessities to the American people, to addressing challenges such as the fentanyl issue, to revitalizing American traditional industries like shipbuilding and car manufacturing, to opening new frontiers such as AI, biomedicine, and the peaceful utilization of outer space, and to helping deescalate regional hotspots and resolve challenges, none could be achieved without China-U.S. cooperation.

China has no intention to challenge or displace the U.S. We hope the U.S. side will reject the Cold-War mentality, stop containing and suppressing China, and make up its mind to be partners and friends with China, so that together we can do more big, practical and good things that benefit both our countries and the world.

二要培育公平竞争心态，相互成就而非零和博弈。中美在经贸等领域有竞争在所难免。关键是如何竞争。在这方面，特斯拉和中国新能源汽车的良性竞争带给我们许多有益启示。2019年，特斯拉在华设立超级工厂，中方热情欢迎、积极支持，创下当年开工、当年竣工、当年投产的“特斯拉速度”。面对压力，中国新能源车企奋发图强，加快创新发展，短短数年群体性崛起。这反过来又对特斯拉形成正向激励，这种你追我赶是互利的、双赢的，对全世界的消费者最有利。中美之间的竞争就应该是这种良性积极的“田径赛”，而不是你死我活的“拳击赛”。同时，竞争还要讲公平、守规矩，既赢得起也输得起，不能自己实力强的时候就鼓吹自由贸易，自己实力不济的时候又求助公平贸易，搞双重标准；不能预设结果，只能自己赢，不许别人超过自己；更不能不择手段给对方抹黑、挖坑、使绊子。

Second, it is important to advocate fair competition, and help each other succeed, instead of engaging in a zero-sum game. It is only natural that China and the U.S. have competition in areas such as economy and trade. What matters more is how we choose to compete. In this regard, the healthy competition between Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies can offer us some valuable insights. In 2019, Tesla decided to establish a gigafactory in China. The Chinese side warmly welcomed and supported the project, helping it come to fruition and begin operations in the same year it broke ground. Facing the pressure, Chinese EV companies strove for strength and accelerated innovation, achieving collective growth in just a few years, which in turn motivated Tesla in a positive way.

Such a race to the top is mutually beneficial and win-win, and also serves the best interests of global consumers. This sets an example for competition between China and the U.S., which should be like competing for excellence in a racing field, not beating one another down in a wrestling ring. Moreover, the playing field should be level, and the rules should be observed. As the saying goes, “Some days you win, some days you lose.” One should accept either outcome with grace, instead of applying double standards, extolling free trade when one is competitive, yet turning to fair trade when outcompeted. It also means one should not predetermine the result, accepting only scenarios in which they win, while denying others the right to outperform them. Still less should one resort to smearing, trapping, or tripping others up in order to undermine them.

三要明确国家安全边界，让经贸科技合作回归常识与理性。维护国家安全天经地义，但不能泛化、滥用，不能把国家安全当成一个筐，什么都往里装。中国电动汽车不明白为何被单挑出来授予“带轮子的数据收集器”的恶名，中国起重机至今不知道所谓的间谍装置究竟安装在自身哪个部位，中国大蒜更是做梦也没想到有朝一日会被列为“国家安全威胁”。这种草木皆兵的臆想，缺乏起码的常识，更经不住事实检验，只会破坏全球产供链稳定和创新活力，损人不利己。“国家安全”这把尺子应该回归它应有的刻度，少一些捕风捉影的猜忌和别有用心的抹黑，多一些基于市场规则和商业逻辑的理性，这样才能真正释放两国合作的巨大潜力。

Third, it is important to clarify the boundaries of national security, and restore common sense and reason to economic, trade, and science and technology cooperation. While safeguarding national security is both legitimate and essential, the concept should not be overstretched or misused as a catch-all. Even now, we still cannot figure out why Chinese EVs have been singled out and accused to be “data collectors on wheels”; where the so-called “spy equipment” is installed in Chinese cranes; and how Chinese garlic could ever possibly be classified as a “national security threat”.

This kind of paranoid illusion lacks basic common sense, and does not hold up against the facts. It would only destabilize global industrial and supply chains, suffocate innovation, and ultimately serve no one’s good. The yardstick of national security should be brought back to its proper measure. What we need is fewer unfounded suspicions and accusations, and more rationality grounded in market rules and commercial logic. Only then can the vast potential of China-U.S. cooperation be fully unleashed.

四要破除“寒蝉效应”束缚，进一步汇聚交流合作暖流。一段时间以来，对华强硬在美国被打造成不容置疑的“政治正确”，“寒蝉效应”让许多内心认同中美友好的人士欲言又止。2023年5月我到任时虽已初夏，却感受到阵阵寒意，于是我给自己加了一项任务，就是要把支持中美关系的人一个个都找出来，大家一起发声出力。2023年10月，习近平主席提出“5年5万”倡议，鼓励更多美国青少年来华交流学习。三年过去了，我高兴地看到美国主张美中合作的声音越来越多、越来越响。2025年美多家主流民调反映，涉华民意五年来首次正向反弹。芝加哥全球事务委员会民调显示，53%的美国人支持对华合作与接触。最新皮尤民调显示，对中国持正面看法的美国民众，3年来几乎翻了一倍。还有，“成为中国人”在美国社交媒体走红，匹克球运动正在传承乒乓外交的纽带作用。这些都印证了两国人民相知相亲的愿望和意志。我们要抓住时机，进一步拉紧人民友谊纽带，汇聚推动两国关系发展的民意暖流。

Fourth, it is important to break free from the constraints of the “chilling effect”, and build greater momentum for exchange and cooperation. In recent years, being tough on China has become an almost unchallengeable form of “political correctness” in the U.S. Daunted by the atmosphere, many friends who support China-U.S. friendship hold back from speaking up. It was early summer when I arrived in the U.S. in May 2023, but I could feel the chill in the air. So I decided that one of my tasks would be to find out all those who stand for developing China-U.S. relations, so we can pitch in together. In October 2023, President Xi Jinping proposed the “50,000 in five years” initiative, encouraging more young Americans to visit China on exchange and study programs.

Three years on, I am heartened to see that the voices supporting U.S.-China cooperation are growing louder and louder here. In 2025, major U.S. public opinion surveys on China demonstrated a positive rebound for the first time in five years, and a poll by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs showed that 53% of Americans favor friendly cooperation and engagement with China. According to a latest Pew Research Center survey, the proportion of Americans having a positive opinion of China has nearly doubled since 2023. We are also seeing “Becoming Chinese” trending on U.S. social media platforms, and pickleball building new bridges in the same spirit as ping-pong diplomacy. All of these speak of our peoples’ eagerness to better understand and draw closer to each other. We need to build on the momentum, foster closer ties of goodwill between our two peoples, and galvanize public support for the development of bilateral relations.

女士们、先生们、朋友们，

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

今年是中美关系“大年”，双方将迎来一系列高层交往，中美还将分别主办亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议和二十国集团领导人峰会。元首外交是中美关系的“指南针”和“定盘星”。中美双方正就特朗普总统访华事保持着密切沟通。我们要坚持两国元首战略引领不动摇，秉持相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢三原则不偏移，推进高层交往全过程管理不松懈。期待与各界有识之士一道起而行之，播下交流互信的种子，耕耘合作共赢的土壤，努力推动今年两国关系稳定健康可持续发展，同时积极探索新时期中美正确相处之道！

This year is a big year for China-U.S. relations. We will see a series of high-level exchanges, and will also respectively host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit. Head-of-state diplomacy is the compass and anchor of China-U.S. relations. Currently, our two sides are in close communication regarding President Trump’s visit to China. We need to follow the strategic guidance of the two Presidents without wavering, adhere to the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation without deviating, and enhance whole-process management for high-level interactions without slacking. We look forward to acting together with friends from various sectors, to sow the seeds of exchange and mutual trust, and plow the soil for win-win cooperation, so as to advance the stable, sound, and sustainable development of bilateral relations this year, and also actively explore the right way for China and the U.S. to get along in the new era.

谢谢大家！

Thank you very much.