The Heat examines US-China trade relations

The Heat

Together, China and the United States share the world’s two largest economies, and together, the two countries are working to make it easier for Chinese and American companies to do business. The Heat examines what opportunities and obstacles are involved in U.S.-China trade relations.

Chicago is home to more than 1,800 foreign companies, and China owns about 40 of them. The city’s leaders are now hoping the world’s most populous country will help give it an even bigger economic boost. For the first time since it was established more than 30 years ago, Chicago hosted the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade this week.

The 25th session provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss and resolve issues on the expansion of trade, investment, travel and tourism. According to the U.S. Depart. of Commerce, trade between the two countries totaled more than $600 billion last year. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported this story from Chicago about how the session concluded with significant movement on agricultural trade and technology.

The Heat interviewed U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. who is the co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group, a bi-partisan group that educates congressional members on U.S.-China relations.

The Heat also spoke to two experts on the future of China-U-S business relations.

* Xi Sitao, the chief economist with Deloitte China, a professional services firm
* Robert Hormats, vice chairman of Kissinger Associates, a New York City-based international consulting firm. Hormats also served as under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment from 2009-2013.