The U.S. business leaders accompanying President Donald Trump on his state visit to China voiced their confidence in China's economy and technological development.
Trump is on a state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday. He is leading a high-level delegation of more than a dozen American business leaders from key sectors including technology, finance, aviation, and agriculture.
Compared to Trump's first visit to China in 2017, the current U.S. business delegation features a higher proportion of companies from high-tech and financial services industries.
In their interviews with the China Media Group, several prominent CEOs shared their optimistic views on China's economic trajectory and innovation capabilities.
"Well, I think this is one of the most incredible economies in the world, incredible innovation. This is also one of the major nations advancing AI. I think you're doing great. China is doing great," said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
"I think it's very strong. I think that people are very excited about AI and new technology here and embrace it very readily. And I couldn't be more excited about it," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
"The Chinese economy has a very good outlook. I think it's a very dynamic economy and I think it's a very good outlook at it," said Coherent CEO Jim Anderson.
"China has laid out a very straightforward ambitious five-year plan. It's 15th Five-Year Plan. And you know, my expectation is China will continue to make more progress, more economic growth as they execute this next five year plan," said David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs Group.
The business leaders hailed the successful summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying it will inject fresh momentum into U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation.
They also highlighted the importance of the Chinese market and their desire to strengthen cooperation with China.
US Business leaders voice confidence in China's economy, technological development
US Business leaders voice confidence in China's economy, technological development
US Business leaders voice confidence in China's economy, technological development
Emergency measures are being put in place to help urban areas across China cope with sweltering daytime temperatures as a severe heatwave grips multiple regions of the country, with local community rest stations being set up to shield residents and provide much-needed respite to outdoor workers amid the scorching weather.
Large swathes of the country are baking as the summer heat takes hold. According to the Central Meteorological Observatory of China, eight of the top ten hottest areas nationwide on Wednesday were in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where Turpan and Toksun both recorded temperatures above 44.5 degrees Celsius.
The intense heat is unlikely to let up anytime soon, as Hami Meteorological Station has issued a red alert and is forecasting that temperatures in Hami City will exceed 40 degrees Celsius from Wednesday to Sunday.
In an effort to combat the heatwave, the local sanitation department has deployed multiple sprinkler and spray trucks to cover major roads in downtown Hami to help with dust suppression and road surface cooling, while upping the frequency of operations.
Persistent high temperatures have also affected many areas in the southwestern Sichuan Province, with some weather stations recording maximum highs exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and weather alerts being issued in numerous cities.
In Guang'an City, the mercury had already soared to 38 degrees Celsius by 10:00 Wednesday morning, pointing to a long, hot day ahead.
However, the county has opened nearly 350 'rest stations' to help local people escape the heat. These air-conditioned cooling points, equipped with fans, drinking water, emergency medicines, and seating, provide much-needed rest areas for outdoor workers such as delivery drivers and couriers, as well as to the elderly and other passersby.
"This round of high temperatures is characterized by its long duration, high temperatures, and the oppressive, muggy conditions, impacting outdoor workers and the elderly the most," said Yu Jilin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group at the Wusheng County Federation of Trade Unions.
In the neighboring Chongqing Municipality, a red alert for high temperatures was issued on the same day.
At the exit of a busy highway in Wuxi County, heat waves shimmered on the road surface amid heavy traffic. Police officers on duty were busy checking vehicles under the scorching sun, focusing on any potential safety hazards in passenger and freight vehicles, while enduring the sizzling weather themselves.
"The main issue is the high temperature -- surface temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. Whenever we are on duty, the exhaust from passing fuel-powered vehicles feels scorching hot against our bodies," said Lin Xianyong, an auxiliary police officer.
Air-conditioned "rest stations" set up to provide respite as scorching heatwave grips China
