NEW YORK – The president of the National Committee on US-China Relations (NCUSCR), Stephen A. Orlins, has called for the “courage” to build a stronger US-China relationship, ahead of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties.

Noting that relations between the world’s two largest economies are now experiencing a difficult time, Orlins reiterated at a Saturday forum a motto he learned from China: “In times of trouble, look at your record, look at the bright side, and pluck up your courage.”

During the event celebrating 40 years of US-China relations, he urged an audience of dozens of business leaders and politicians to “participate in this struggle”, which needs “not only courage from our leaders”, but also “from every single one of you”.

Orlins was among the earliest to witness the establishment of US-China diplomatic relationship in January 1979, which he said has brought enormous benefits to both countries.

Starting as a “small potato”, as he referred to his being a member of the legal adviser office at the US State Department about 41 years ago, Orlins said he was “fortunate” to get involved in the US administration’s work toward the establishment of the ties between the United States and China.

“President Nixon, Secretary Kissinger had laid the foundation, but it took my boss President Carter to show the courage to deal with the domestic opposition,” he said. “We established a framework that allowed peace to flourish in Asia and then economic development flourished.”

He lamented that now some people in think tanks, the government and academic circles, fail to realize the benefits that policies of constructive engagement with China have generated, cautioning the trend was “deeply troubling”.

The NCUSCR president was joined by many at the forum in recognizing the benefits from the development of US-China relations.

Ore A. Jacinto, finance director of the New York State Republican Committee, recalled that Nixon understood the US-China relationship was to be of the utmost importance for peace and prosperity in the world. “A strong and prosperous China creates economic benefits not just for itself but for all nations, including the United States,” he said.

Saturday’s forum was jointly hosted by the China-US-Canada Friendship Promotion Association (CUCFA), the American Anhui Business Association and the Chinese-American Parent-Student Council.

Xinhua