2017年CRI Outgoing US ambassador reflects on time in China, calls for continued cooperation

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In a video greeting for the upcoming Spring Festival, Max Baucus and his wife Melodee Hanes said they have had some good memories during their time in China.

"Hello everyone, Mel and I know this is a very happy time for Chinese families. It is for us, too. As folks head home to celebrate the New Year holiday, we are getting ready to return home as well," said the Ambassador.

"It's really not easy for us to leave. We have made so many good friends here in Beijing and really throughout all of China," added Hanes.

The Ambassador said encouraging people-to-people exchanges and building mutual¹ trust have been a priority for him during his time here.

Baucus recalled that when he arrived in China in March 2014, he promised Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would visit each of China's provinces, which he did by October last year.

Baucus said that historically, China and the US have proven that working together to overcome challenges can produce mutually beneficial results. He added that he hopes the two sides can continue to do so going forward.

"I hope we don't face a crisis, I hope we don't face a challenge, I don't think we will. But the knowledge that we have many times, the United States and China, worked together is a good reason to believe we can and we will. There is no question in my mind," said Baucus.

Max Baucus lauded² the bilateral³ efforts which led to both China and the US ratifying⁴ the Paris agreement on climate change, as well as joint⁵ initiatives in global health, such as the fight against Ebola.

Meanwhile, Baucus said growth in bilateral tourism flows is another shining spot in China-US relations, and he encouraged more Americans to come to China and see the country for themselves.

"It would help if we would travel more. If Americans would spend more time getting out of America and come over to China, see China, and deflate some of the myths, you know, one way or another about China, and vice⁶ versa. It's good that so many Chinese are coming to the Unites States. We issue about 2.7 million visas a year, Chinese visas coming to America. I wish more Americans are coming over, too," explained Baucus.

Looking forward, Baucus said a lack of understanding about each other could pose threats for bilateral ties, and he encouraged people from both countries to make the worthwhile efforts and build lasting⁷ relationships.

"The biggest potential danger is failure of people in both countries to take the time and effort to learn about the other country. And it's partly because people tend to be a little bit comfortable. It's hard for people to get out of their comfort zones. It takes work, it takes efforts, like all things in life," said Baucus.

US President-elect Donald Trump⁸ has nominated Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to become the next US Ambassador to China.