CGCC hosts Chinese New Year gala in New York to celebrate China-US collaboration across industries

The China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC-USA) on Thursday hosted the annual Chinese New Year gala in New York, bringing together diplomats and business leaders to celebrate the ongoing China-U.S. collaboration across industries.

Chairman of CGCC-USA Hu Wei and Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, among others, attended the event.

"We want to deliver the message to the business community, to the policymakers of the two sides, and to the heads of state of the two sides. We do believe that the synergy between the two sides is there, especially in the business side. So, we do have opportunities to expand that market. So that's why we gather here. We try to get together to a brighter future," Hu said.

"In 2025, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump spoke on the phone four times, exchanged several letters, and held a successful summit in Busan, recalibrating the course of the giant ship of the China-U.S. relationship," Xie said.

The event honored companies driving investment, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

"I think that in general, companies like to do business with people where they can have relationships wherever they're from. And over the years, decades actually, in Vornado, we've had outstanding relationships with many of the Chinese banks, and they've been great supporters, partners. And so, I think as you get to know people and you go through the ups and downs on the life cycle of deals, you develop that shared friendship. And as we get through it, [we will] still do business many, many years later," said Michael Franco, president and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust based in New York.

As the Year of the Horse draws close, CGCC emphasized that momentum and partnership remain key to strong China-U.S. relations.

"[No] one can tell the future, but the only certain solution for us is to enhance communication and cooperation. So, it's the only, the best solution for all of us," said Zhang Jianyu, vice chair of CGCC-USA.

CGCC hosts Chinese New Year gala in New York to celebrate China-US collaboration across industries

CGCC hosts Chinese New Year gala in New York to celebrate China-US collaboration across industries

CGCC hosts Chinese New Year gala in New York to celebrate China-US collaboration across industries

CGCC hosts Chinese New Year gala in New York to celebrate China-US collaboration across industries

The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.

Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.

Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.

In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.

The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.

Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.

Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.

Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.

"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.

However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.

"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.

Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.

"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.

The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.

The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.

The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.

Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks