The U.S. businesses hope to continue deepening their presence in the Chinese market, participate in innovation, and expand cooperation, said Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China).
Hart, representing 800 American companies operating in China, noted the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) in his recent visit to Washington, D.C., and underscored the need for cooperation between the U.S. and China.
"I did have a group of companies with me last week in Washington D.C. area. I do think one of the things that ... in the United States that we heard a lot last week was about key technologies, AI. AI, we've heard some already today, is a technology where the U.S. is doing work, where China is doing work, and where we need, hopefully, to work together. So AI is going to impact many industries," Hart said at the Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit 2025 held in Beijing on Thursday.
Hart reaffirmed the determiniation of U.S. business to engage in China, saying that the disengagement from China could mean missing out on significant opportunities.
"[It] is because I do represent 800 companies in China who believe that the United States should be trading with China. Innovation will continue in China, and we want to be able to see it, and we want to be able to participate in it. And maybe your next global competitor will come out of China, but maybe your next global partner will come out of China. And so it's certainly important to participate. It's important to participate in this market, because if U.S. companies were to withdraw, we would not be able to see the great growth in China. And so again, the companies that I represent No.1 hope to participate and lead in certain industries, but we certainly want to participate and be here. And so this is partially about the supply chain. It's also about the information space and about the digital flows that go back and forth," said Hart.
Hart also said that U.S. businesses view China as a vital hub for innovation, supply chains, and consumer demand, despite of political challenges.
"American companies want to continue to participate in this market. And again, our political leaders have different views about that, but business, American business will continue to participate in China and take advantage of the supply chains and manufacturing base, as well as the consumer base," Hart added.
The summit, which focuses on embracing the era of digital intelligence and working together for common development, gathered over 800 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, trade associations, and enterprises.
US businesses committ to Chinese market: AmCham president
