On September 18, 2024, the opening ceremony of the "Shanghai Nanjing Plus 2024: Exploring Perspectives on China-US Relations" , co-hosted by the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies (HNC), was held at the Wanda Reign Wuhan.

The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, with the attendance of Mr. Tang Zhiwen, Deputy Director General, Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China, who delivered a welcome speech. Other speakers at the event included Ms. Zhang Xiaomei, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Hubei Provincial People's Government，President of Hubei People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Mr. Christopher Green, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan; and Prof. Li Xiaorong, Chinese Co-Director of HNC.

Prof. Chen Dongxiao welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to the relevant Hubei departments for their strong support of the event. He noted that China-U.S. relations currently face numerous issues and challenges, but cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions help both sides gain a more comprehensive understanding of the bilateral relationship. He expressed hope that the experts and scholars participating in this program would discover new perspectives on China-U.S. relations and inject fresh momentum into the development of the relationship.

Mr. Tang Zhiwen stated that culture and people-to-people exchange is an important link in China-U.S. relations. China supports and encourages scholars and young people from both countries to strengthen exchanges. Tang shared stories of friendly interactions between the youth of China and the U.S., emphasizing that both sides should work together to create a better future. He expressed hope that everyone would actively participate in it and make their own contribution.

Ms. Zhang Xiaomei emphasized that China-U.S. relations are one of the most important bilateral relationship in the world today. As a participant in and promoter of China-U.S. exchanges, Hubei has engaged in diverse interactions and fruitful cooperation with U.S.. She expressed hope that during the participants’ stay in Wuhan, they would experience Wuhan’s dynamism and cultural charm, and gain a deeper understanding of the new drivers of productive development and the latest achievements in ecological civilization construction.

Mr. Christopher Green emphasized that as Consul General, one of his top priorities is to restore and expand China-U.S. academic exchanges. Wuhan has greatly benefited from its growing international partnerships and has made significant contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations. He noted that this program provides an important platform for cross-cultural communication and dialogue. He hopes that through this event, members will gain a deeper understanding of Wuhan and he looks forward to welcoming them back in the future for visits, study, and work.

Prof. Li Xiaorong introduced the development of the HNC. She mentioned that last year's event provided a platform for dialogue and exchange between Chinese and American scholars, enhancing mutual understanding on China-U.S. relations and global cooperation in various aspects. She expressed confidence that this year's program would continue to offer a unique platform for all participants to broaden their perspectives and foster closer collaboration.

The event brought together over 20 youth leaders and scholars from various fields in the United States, representing institutions such as the Center for the Study of Contemporary China, University of Pennsylvania, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Center for Global Development, Princeton University, Loyola Marymount University, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, Yenching Academy of Peking University, Future Nexus, Eurasia Group, The Asia Group, Eurasia Group, South China Morning Post, Beijing Qianyuhui Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Mascaret Group, American Mandarin Society, Climate Reality Project, and GeoStrategic Analysis Inc.