On the afternoon of November 20th 2014, Max Baucus, United States Ambassador to China, and Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, visited Peking University (PKU). Chairman of PKU Council Zhu Shanlu received the guests at Linhuxuan, accompanied by PKU Vice President Li Yansong, Dean of PKU School of International Studies Jia Qingguo, and Dean of PKU College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Zhu Tong.
Chairman Zhu first extended a warm welcome to the guests and provided a brief background on Linhuxuan as well as the Stanford Center at PKU. He noted that there existed substantial cooperation between PKU and Los Angeles City, as well as between PKU and California universities and research institutes. During the recently-concluded APEC summit and G20 summit, China and America have reached consensus in many areas. Scholars from both PKU and California should strive to contribute further following the increase in interaction opportunities available between China and the USA.
Zhu noted that cooperation among universities and between universities and cities would be meaningful for both parties. He had been thinking of better ways to connect PKU and cities around the world. He suggested that Beijing and Los Angles, as well as PKU and universities in Los Angles, work together to develop urban solutions, including environmental problems like heavy smog.
Ambassador Baucus expressed his gratitude for PKU’s warm reception. He noted that a series of agreements such as the deal on climate change had been heralded by both sides during the APEC summit and President Obama’s visit to China. America and China are making great efforts to lead the world in cutting carbon emissions. Baucus proposed that PKU explore collaboration in research and development of clean energy technology with Los Angles, which has rich experience in dealing with air pollution. Such a move will not only achieve the goal of reducing emissions but also benefit the whole world and our future generations. Zhu agreed, and added that two parties could work together in areas such as scientific research, engineering, public administration, public service and industrial policy.
Mayor Garcetti also expressed his positive views on Sino-US cooperation. He stated that Los Angles was willing to conduct more discussions with China’s universities and research institutes, and deepen collaboration in managing climate change.
Translated by: Wei Wei
