The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) proudly supported the 2025 Columbia China Summit, held on April 12, 2025, at Columbia Business School. The 17th Annual Summit was organized by Columbia Business School's Greater China Society with support from the Great China Initiative, a student-led organization of the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). This year’s event focused on the theme, “Charting New Horizons: Renewal as Our Guiding Path,” bringing together leading experts to explore pivotal topics shaping the evolving U.S.-China relationship.  

With 42 renowned speakers and extensive participation, the Summit delved into critical discussions on U.S.-China relations, energy transition, artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, value investing, and other pressing global issues reshaping the world.  

James Chau, President of CUSEF, participated as a guest speaker and delivered a virtual address during the opening ceremony. He emphasized the student-led nature of the Summit and the vital role of youth in global affairs. He stated:

“This is really important that at this complex time in the world and at a complex time in the U.S. and China, we have non-traditional actors—non-traditional in the sense that, of course, students have always carried compelling value in the U.S.-China relationship throughout this entire modern relationship from 1972 onwards—but also recognizing that young people still need to be given a full role alongside or within the established leadership, not only in this bilateral relationship but in global affairs and global governance entirely.”  

The Summit offered an insightful platform for dialogue at a time of heightened bilateral economic tensions, including ongoing tariff disputes. The conversation moderated by the Sinica Initiative’s Kaiser Kuo stood out for its depth and nuance, as participants critically examined the direction of U.S.-China engagement amid these shifting dynamics. It was equally compelling to hear from voices in the business and cultural sectors, including the Brooklyn Nets' China strategist, who highlighted how the team—under the ownership of Joseph Tsai—has developed strategies to connect meaningfully with its vast Chinese fan base through targeted content and digital engagement. It was encouraging to see such thoughtful exchange take place and to witness how current and future leaders are navigating the complexities of U.S.-China relations with purpose and creativity.

CUSEF is honored to support initiatives like the Columbia China Summit that deepen mutual understanding and promote collaboration in navigating the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship.