On November 15, 2018, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations held its annual black-tie Gala Dinner in New York City. This year, about 450 members and friends, including business, civic, and military leaders, as well as senior American and Chinese diplomats braved the early winter storm to celebrate the $2.3 million raised to support the National Committee’s important work in these challenging and uncertain times.
BlackRock, Inc., a leading asset management firm, was this year’s honoree. Accepting the award was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Laurence D. Fink. BlackRock has made remarkable achievements in China over the past decade, views China as a strategic priority. It has earned a strong track record there by introducing innovative investment ideas. BlackRock is enthusiastic about partnering with clients in China as they look to achieve better financial outcomes for the long term.
In addition to Mr. Fink, NCUSCR Executive Vice Chair Henry Kissinger, Ambassador Cui Tiankai, and NCUSCR Chair Carla Hills and President Steve Orlins made brief remarks; NCUSCR Vice Chair Evan Greenberg introduced Mr. Fink. Noted jazz singer (and a fellow of the National Committee’s Young Leaders Forum) Jasmine Chen, fresh from her appearance in the summer blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, entertained the audience with several songs.
The Gala provides a significant source of support for the National Committee, a non-partisan and non-profit organization that seeks to promote better understanding between the United States and China by creating opportunities for informed dialogue regarding issues of critical bilateral and global importance.
