On July 21st Beijing time, during a private event titled "Beyond the Arena: US-China Business, AI, and Global Collaboration," Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on United States–China Relations, reflected on the decades-long history of investment and cooperation between American and Chinese enterprises. He cited Lenovo Group's acquisition of IBM's personal computer division as a landmark case in this history.

Orlins noted that he had voiced clear support for the deal when Lenovo Group was advancing it over two decades ago. In his view, the merger was crucial not only for the future of IBM's PC business and Lenovo's own growth but also for the trajectory of US-China relations. By integrating technology, brands, talent, and market resources from both sides, Lenovo Group evolved from a domestic Chinese company into a global technology firm, demonstrating the long-term value that cross-border investment and industrial collaboration can generate.

Discussing Chinese investment in the United States, Orlins pointed to companies like Fuyao and Wanxiang as examples, stating that Chinese capital has brought factories, jobs, and community vitality to certain regions in America. Concurrently, American companies such as Apple and Motorola have also been deeply involved in the development of the Chinese market. He emphasized that bilateral investment is not merely about capital flows; it connects companies, employees, and communities, forming a vital foundation for fostering people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Orlins stressed that both China and the US are massive markets, and expanding mutual openness and corporate investment aligns with their shared interests. The development journey of Lenovo illustrates that American and Chinese enterprises need not engage in mutually exhausting competition; they can also achieve mutual growth through collaboration in technology, markets, and talent.

"The hope for US-China relations lies with the people, and its foundation is in the nongovernmental ties," Orlins said.