Paulson to be Honored for Contributions to U.S.-China Relations
In recognition of his significant achievements in U.S.-China relations, Henry Paulson will receive the Committee of 100’s tribute at its 20th Awards Gala on May 12 at the Metropolitan Museum’s Temple of Dendur.
The Committee is honoring Henry Paulson, former Treasury Secretary (2006-2009), for his achievements in advancing U.S.-China Relations, in particular his pioneering leadership of what is now known as the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED). Paulson came to the Bush Administration from Goldman Sachs, which he chaired for eight years. With a deep knowledge of China gained through his scores of visits and personal involvement in conservation efforts, Paulson initiated the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in 2006 with Vice Premier Wu Yi to establish a regular mechanism for interchange on the highest levels concerning trade, currency, economic balancing, and other bilateral issues. It has been credited with stabilizing government-to-government relations during challenging times. Under President Obama, the bi-annual meeting of senior government leaders is now spearheaded by both the Treasury and State Departments.
Paulson initiated the SED when the U.S. clearly held a dominant economic position, giving it the leverage to urge China to free its currency and further open its markets to American exports. In December 2008, when Paulson last represented the U.S. as Treasury Secretary in the talks, the U.S. economy had plunged into crisis, and China was pressing the U.S. to get its financial house in order.
Paulson recently told the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs that “China's vast investments in U.S. markets can be seen as a sign of confidence in the American economy.” He also cautioned against unilateral demands on the part of the U.S.: “One of things we can learn is to listen, to understand better what the other’s issues are so we can find common ground.”
The ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur will be the stunning backdrop for Shen Wei Dance Arts, an acclaimed New York City modern dance troupe founded a decade ago by Shen Wei, who brought his talents back to China as principal choreographer of the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.