US-China Track 1.5 Dialogue Opens in Beijing
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The third US-China Track 1.5 Dialogue was held in Beijing on August 25, with Chinese government departments, local authorities, think tanks and US representatives including the Asia Society taking part in discussions on political trust, trade cooperation and possible collaboration in artificial intelligence and technology. The dialogue, launched in 2023 and positioned between official diplomacy and purely non-governmental exchanges, has become a platform linking political parties, strategic circles, business groups, academics and civil society from both countries. This year’s theme was “Constructive Strategic Stability — Practical US-China Cooperation in a New Era”, and Chinese officials said the two sides should explore practical pathways for cooperation while managing differences. Chinese scholars also said the meeting could help prepare the ground for a possible leaders’ summit in September, even as Washington is reportedly considering an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods
Key Points
- The dialogue was co-hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Asia Society, with about 40 Chinese and US representatives attending in Beijing
- Participants discussed increasing political mutual trust, expanding economic and trade cooperation, and exploring cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology, people-to-people exchanges, healthcare and food security.
- Liu Haixing, head of the International Department, said 2025 is an important year for bilateral ties and urged both sides to pursue practical cooperation under leaders’ guidance
- Wang Huning met the US delegation a day earlier, while Liu Jieyi attended the dialogue and Lu Kang presided over the session in Beijing
- Nanjing University scholar Zhu Feng said the talks may help warm up for a possible Xi-Trump meeting in September amid rising US sanctions and AI-related pressure
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the dialogue matters because any easing or worsening in US-China relations can quickly affect trade, investment sentiment and technology flows linked to the city’s role as an international business hub. The focus on economic ties, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges points to areas where policy shifts between Beijing and Washington could shape opportunities and risks for Hong Kong companies and institutions.