On June 3, 2011, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao met with the U.S. delegation headed by Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, President of Asia Society on invitation.

Song Tao said that the Chinese government welcomes and supports foreign non-governmental organizations (NGO) to carry out friendly cooperation in China and appreciates the efforts and contributions made by Asia Society in promoting the friendly exchanges between China and the U.S. in culture and other fields. At present, the two countries are working together to build a partnership based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. It is hoped that Asia Society continues to play an active role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples.

Dr. Vishakha N. Desai briefed Song on the visions of Asia Society to carry out relevant activities in China. She expressed that Asia Society will continue its efforts to promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and make contributions to the healthy development of U.S.-China relations.

Asia Society, headquartered in New York, is one of the non-governmental organizations with influence in the Asia-Pacific region.