IPR, Shared Past, and Mutual Understanding Focus of U.S. Consul General’s Visit to Guilin

On February 1-2, U.S. Consul General Brian L. Goldbeck made his first official visit to Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.  The objective of the visit was five-fold: to promote understanding and cooperation on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), discuss consulate operations, learn about local education and economic conditions, promote bilateral trade and investment, and visit the Flying Tigers Memorial Park currently under construction.  The Consul General was accompanied by Economic/Political Officer Nolan Barkhouse, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Dan Holtrop, IPR Officer Conrad Wong, and others.
 
In Guilin, Consul General Goldbeck met with Guilin Mayor Li and had lunch with Deputy Mayor He Liangjun and municipal leaders.  CG Goldbeck thanked Mayor Li for his staff's support and cooperation on IPR protection.  He also encouraged increased educational and other exchanges with the city and promoted more bilateral trade and investments, especially for tourism development, clean energy, and environmental protection.  In addition, Mr. Goldbeck participated in an IPR roundtable with Guilin IPR officials.

Consul General Goldbeck also met with Guilin Tourism Bureau and Guilin Tourism Association to discuss tourism development prospects and opportunities. He then visited Guangxi Normal University and met with Vice President Cai Changzhuo, where he discussed information cooperation and donated a book to the University Library director. The two sides promised to maintain and increase cultural and information exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

Mr. Goldbeck also met with representatives from the Flying Tigers Heritage Park near Guilin. The Second World War-era American Volunteer Group fought battles to defend Guangxi based from the Guilin airfield.  On his visit, the Consul General focused on the history the U.S. and China share and how this background can help China and the U.S. increase mutual understanding and address shared goals today.  Examples include cooperation on energy efficiency, environmental protection, and combating global warming.  CG Goldbeck applauded efforts to protect Flying Tigers history, noting the sacrifices of both our nations to preserve freedom.

Reflecting on the visit, Consul General Goldbeck said: “I am encouraged by Guilin's commitment to the promotion of intellectual property rights and advancing our common goals.  I hope the U.S. and China can expand cooperation on IPR related issues, which can help bring about greater economic development for the whole of Guangxi Province. Guilin has also made important progress, since my first visit as a tourist in 1992, in recognizing the importance of environmental protection as essential to its attraction as one of China’s premier tourism destinations. We look ahead to the further growth and deepening of our relationship with Guilin."