To the Editor,
Thank you for your recent coverage of Consul General Chen Li’s visit to Vermont, which aimed to strengthen the friendship and foster exchanges between China and Vermont. We also appreciate the thoughtful comments from your readers. In the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, we would like to offer a few responses.
The primary role of the Chinese Consulate General in New York is to promote communication and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within our consular district, which includes ten states: New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island. We are committed to engaging with communities across the region and supporting people-to-people exchanges that contribute to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
China continues to prioritize environmental protection and the transition to a green economy. In 2024 alone, China has completed over 6.6 million hectares of land greening tasks—figures that rank among the highest in the world, according to China’s Ministry of Natural Resources. A recent New York Times report also highlights China’s investments in clean energy and its push to become a global leader in renewable power.
On economic ties, China has long believed that mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are at the heart of China-U.S. trade. From 2001 to 2024, U.S. goods exports to China grew by 648.4%, from $19.18 billion to $143.55 billion—far exceeding the 183.1% increase in overall U.S. global exports. The U.S. holds a $28.9 billion service trade surplus with China. Products like maple syrup and skiing gears from Vermont are popular in China. China welcomes more high-quality products and services from the U.S. to the Chinese market, and will continue to create a fair and sound business environment for international traders and enterprises. Trade disputes and tariffs serve no one’s interests. While differences between two major economies are natural, addressing them through dialogue and mutual respect remains the most effective path forward.
We look forward to more opportunities to engage with Vermonters and exchange perspectives. We warmly welcome you to visit China and see the country for yourself. Our Consulate stands ready to provide any support needed.
-Charlie Zhao, Press Office, Chinese Consulate General in New York