The National Committee’s subnational initiatives bring together state and municipal-level leaders from across the country who work on China-related issues in the areas of trade and investment, education, culture, agriculture, and development. During this time of heightened tensions in the bilateral relationship, these initiatives seek to educate, foster coordination, and develop best practices among participants.
The National Committee brought the first group of Chinese mayors and deputy mayors to U.S. soil in September, 1978. Led by Beijing Deputy Mayor Zhao Pengfei and Shanghai Deputy Mayor Yen Yumin, the 19-member delegation also included city planners, architects, and engineers. The visit was the first of approximately 50 exchanges the Committee has sponsored in the area of municipal and state/provincial management and planning.