The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) was honored to welcome the 11th U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus. Accompanied by his wife Melodee Hanes, they spoke at an event for ‘CUSEF 15,’ a year-long initiative commemorating our organization’s 15th anniversary where eminent figures share their insights on the issues shaping the global future.

A lawyer by background, Ambassador Baucus was the longest-serving senator from the U.S. state of Montana. After stepping down as Senator in 2014, Baucus was sworn in as the 11th U.S. Ambassador to China by President Barack Obama. He is widely regarded as a leading voice globally in the U.S.-China relationship.

Following his diplomatic assignment, Max Baucus devotes much of his time to the Max S. Baucus Institute in Montana, to break down barriers so that students can see, serve, and lead in politics, government, and overseas studies. Their main areas of focus are: public service, climate, and U.S./China relations.

During this visit, Ambassador Baucus takes 15 students from Montana State University and the University of Montana to China for 11 days, engaging in people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchanges.

James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), welcomed Ambassador Baucus and the Montana delegation on June 11, 2024.