New York City buzzed with cross-border energy last night as the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) hosted its 2026 New Year Gala, blending Lunar New Year festivities with high-stakes diplomacy. With the Year of the Horse galloping in on February 10 – symbolizing perseverance and teamwork – the event spotlighted growing economic ties between the U.S. and China.
🏆 Real estate giant Vornado Realty Trust trotted away with the CGCC’s Outstanding Partner of the Year Award for their role in developing hybrid workspaces that connect Chinese and American tech startups. ‘This isn’t just about buildings – it’s about building bridges,’ said CEO Steven Roth during his acceptance speech.
Over 500 business leaders and diplomats attended the Jan. 15 event at Manhattan’s Glasshouse Chelsea, where dumplings met deal-making. CGCC Chairman Xu Chen emphasized in his keynote: ‘2026 will be a marathon, not a sprint – but with trust as our track, both nations can finish strong.’
As red lanterns lit up the Hudson River view, conversations buzzed about AI partnerships and green energy initiatives. The gala comes as bilateral trade hits $759 billion this month – a 12% jump from 2025’s opening figures.
