On July 21, 2022, Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, met with Michael Hart, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China), and representatives of the Chamber’s member companies. The two sides had a candid exchange of views on China-US science and technology relations, science, technology and innovation (STI) policies, R&D of multinational companies in China and other issues.  

　　Zhang Guangjun said,Friendship between nations lies in the amity between their peoples, and amity between peoples lies in heart-to-heart communication.The Chinese side deeply appreciates AmCham China’s efforts in promoting exchanges and cooperation of American companies with China, and its role as a bridge for boosting friendly relations between the two countries. China and the US are at different stages of development and have different cultures and systems, so disagreements will inevitably arise in the course of their interactions. Yet facts have proven that exchanges and cooperation between the two sides are mutually beneficial. At present, the world is confronted with challenges such as climate change, energy shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic. As responsible major countries, China and the US should strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation to jointly address global challenges, thus creating greater benefits for their peoples and the peoples of the world and making due contribution to the progress of humanity. 

　　Zhang Guangjun noted that the Chinese government will implement a more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and shared strategy for international science and technology cooperation and promote international science and technology exchanges and cooperation with more open mind and measures. China will work harder to improve its STI ecosystem and provide more opportunities for companies of the US and other countries to engage in R&D and innovation in China. The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will strengthen communication with AmCham China and US high-tech companies operating in China to promote practical cooperation between the industries of the two countries and contribute to the advancement of bilateral relations. 

　　Michael Hart introduced the AmCham China’s 2022 American Business in China White Paper. He said that the growth of American companies in China has positive implications for both countries. China’s vast market opportunities, predictable business environment and the government’s long-term development strategy are all factors that appeal to the Chamber’s member companies, and China remains a priority market for many of them. It is recommended that the two governments explore results-oriented bilateral exchange mechanisms at all levels to create a favourable environment for cooperation in trade, investment and R&D between companies of the two countries. AmCham China will continue to play a bridging role to enhance mutual understanding between the two countries. Representatives of the Chamber’s member companies put forward their suggestions on how foreign companies can involve in STI development in China and conduct exchanges and cooperation with China. 

　　On MOST side, Dai Gang, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, Xie Min, Director-General of the Department of Policy, Regulation and Innovation System, Gao Xiang, Director-General of the China Science and Technology Exchange Center, Xing Huaibin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Strategy and Planning, Fu Xiaofeng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology for Social Development, Xu Jie, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, Bai Jie, Senior Counsel of the Department of High and New Technology, Chen Hongsheng, Senior Counsel of the Department of Research Commercialization and Regional Innovation, Wu Cheng, Deputy Director-General of the China Science and Technology Exchange Center, Zhang Songmei, Deputy Director-General of the China Rural Technology Development Center, Sheng Yanlin, Deputy Director-General of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center, Shen Jianzhong, Deputy Director-General of the China National Center for Biotechnology Development, Chen Qizhen, Deputy Director-General of the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21, were present at the meeting and had an in-depth exchange of views with US high-tech companies on related topics. Representatives from Novartis, MARS, ExxonMobil, SAP, S&P Global, United Family Healthcare, Herbalife Nutrition, Mitsubishi Corporation, Intel, Pfizer, Merck, Walmart, Ford, Illumina, Dolby Laboratories and Johnson & Johnson attended the meeting.