1919
August

Founding of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China)

Founding of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China)

In an article dated Aug. 26, 1919, the New York Times announced that an American Chamber of Commerce had been set up in what was then called Peking. The eight founding members were Anderson, Meyer & Co., the International Banking Corporation, the American Trading Company, the China-American Trading Company, the American Bank Note Company, E. W. Frazer & Co., the Siems-Carey Company, and the Standard Oil Company.

1981
November

AmCham China Officially Reformed

AmCham China Officially Reformed

 

The Chamber reformed at a Nov. 10 meeting at the Peking Hotel (now the Beijing Hotel). Richard E. Kask of General Electric was elected as the Chamber’s first President (a position now referred to as Chair).

1991
April

Official Recognition of Chamber by Chinese Government

On April 22, after the completion of a lengthy registration process with the government, the American Chamber of Commerce in China received foreign chamber certificate No. 2 and was officially recognized. The occasion was marked by a ceremony at the Great Wall Sheraton with then President Dean T.C. Lee, US ambassador James Lilley, and senior Chinese government officials.

1998
February

First American Business in China White Paper Published

First American Business in China White Paper Published

 

AmCham China launched its first issue of the American Business in China White Paper (White Paper), which aggregated business insights and recommendations from all industries. The White Paper represents the efforts of the Chamber and its members to communicate with both the US and Chinese governments and to improve the business environment for American businesses in China.

2000
December

First Government Appreciation Dinner

First Government Appreciation Dinner

The first Government Appreciation Dinner hosted more than 400 guests at the Kerry Center Hotel on Dec. 5, 2000. Guests of honor included US Ambassador Joseph Prueher, with Shi Guangsheng, Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation serving as the keynote speaker. The Appreciation Dinner has since become one of the Chamber’s most influential events, featuring government officials, including Vice Premier Wu Yi (2007), Vice Premier Wang Yang (2015), Vice President Han Zheng (2024), and various US Ambassadors to China as keynote speakers.

2003
September

Inaugural Charity Ball and Golf Tournament

Inaugural Charity Ball and Golf Tournament

The Chamber’s first Charity Ball and golf tournament, held Sept. 12 and 13, raised over $100,000 for four charities: the Beijing Zhiguang Special Education and Training School, the American Education and Health Foundation, the Langfang Children’s Village, and the New Day Foster Home.

2004
April

US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) Established

US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) Established

Formally launched in 2004, the US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) was established to provide a public-private sector platform to work on issues important to the growth of China’s aviation system, and US aviation interests. ACP has around 30 corporate members from various disciplines within the aviation industry.

2008
May

Sichuan Earthquake Relief Efforts

Sichuan Earthquake Relief Efforts

Following the Sichuan Earthquake on May 12, a group of 38 AmCham China representatives visited the worst-affected areas in the region. The group included Chairman James Zimmerman and Vice Chairman Matthew Estes. The combined donations of all member companies surpassed
$87 million dollars, both in cash and in-kind donations.

October

AmCham China Tianjin Chapter is established as the first AmCham China Chapter

AmCham China Tianjin Chapter is established as the first AmCham China Chapter

On Oct. 7, AmCham Tianjin, which was founded as an independent organization in 1996, became the Chamber’s first official Chapter, known as AmCham China, Tianjin Chapter.

November

AmCham China Central China Chapter is established

On Nov. 20, the AmCham in Wuhan, which had become an affiliate member in 1999, officially joined the Chamber as the Central China Chapter.

2009
September

US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) Established

US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) Established

Founded in Sep. 2009 by 24 US companies, the US-China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) was underscored by US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao in the official joint statements during Obama’s visit to China in 2009. The program aims to create a bilateral business platform for US and Chinese companies to pursue private sector-based business opportunities, advance sustainable development in the energy industry, and combat climate change.

2010
January

AmCham China Northeast Chapter is established

On Jan. 21, the Chamber opened its Northeast Chapter in Dalian. An office in Shenyang was later opened on Nov. 28, 2014.

December

Launch of the Business Climate Survey Report

Launch of the Business Climate Survey Report

As the Business Climate chapter from the White Paper became a valuable source of information about the foreign business community in China, the Chamber published the first independent Business Climate Survey Report. Over the last 10 years, it has become a key barometer of the business environment for the US and Chinese governments, the foreign business community itself, and AmCham China member companies.

2011
January

US-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) Established

US-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) Established

The US-China Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) was founded in 2011, based on the US-China Public Private Partnership on Healthcare (PPPH) framework announced in Jan. 2011, on the occasion of the Summit between Barack Obama and Hu Jintao. HCP’s mission is to strengthen long-term, constructive cooperation in healthcare between the US and China.

August

Chamber Co-Hosts US Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Meeting

Chamber Co-Hosts US Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Meeting

AmCham China co-hosted a private business meeting between US Vice President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Xi Jinping. The event was also hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the US-China Business Council. China CEOs from GE, JP Morgan Chase, Dupont, General Motors, Caterpillar, Corning, Acorn International, and United Family Hospitals took part in the meeting, along with representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the CEOs of 10 Chinese companies.

2012
February

US-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP) Established

US-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP) Established

The US-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP) was launched in 2012 as a single point of contact to bring together US and Chinese public and private sector entities, help develop trust, and foster positive relationships. The AFP was created with the support of the US and Chinese governments to continue in the tradition of the Agricultural Symposium that was a centerpiece of then-Vice President Xi Jinping’s visit to Iowa in Feb. 2012.

2013
February

Launch of the Chairman’s Circle with Founding Members Intel and Oshkosh

Launch of the Chairman’s Circle with Founding Members Intel and Oshkosh

AmCham China welcomed its first two Chairman’s Circle members, Intel and Oshkosh. The Chairman’s Circle was designed as a unique platform to provide premium member companies with enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure for their businesses. Membership has now expanded to 27 members.

2014
June

AmCham China Hosts Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing

AmCham China Hosts Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing

During the APEC meetings in Beijing, AmCham China hosted Secretary of State John Kerry, along with US Trade Representative Michael Froman.

2017
July

Reintroduction of US Beef to China Following 14-Year Ban

Reintroduction of US Beef to China Following 14-Year Ban

AmCham China President Alan Beebe, US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad celebrated the reintroduction of US beef to the Chinese market after a 14 year-long ban on US beef imports into China.

2018
September

Inaugural Technology & Innovation Summit

Inaugural Technology & Innovation Summit

On Sep. 20, AmCham China held the first annual Technology & Innovation Summit as part of its Technology & Innovation Initiative, featuring guest speakers Kai-Fu Lee and Microsoft CTO Mingqiang Xu.

2019
April

Launch of Trade Portal and Tariff Impact Surveys

In response to the developing US-China trade tensions, AmCham China launched a web-based trade portal to provide member companies with a comprehensive resource database to help navigate the dynamic US-China business landscape. Additionally, the Chamber carried out joint surveys on the effects of tariffs in cooperation with AmCham Shanghai, and worked with various member companies to offer tariff exclusion application services to members.

August

Launch of the AmCham China Quarterly Magazine

Launch of the AmCham China Quarterly Magazine

The Chamber’s magazine, formerly known as China Brief and later Business Now, was relaunched as the AmCham China Quarterly, featuring two-time NBA All-Star, three-time CBA champion, and 2018 AmCham China Pioneer Award winner Stephon Marbury on the front cover of the debut edition.

2020
January

2020–2022: Supporting Businesses Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020–2022: Supporting Businesses Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

From 2020 up until the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022, AmCham China played a pivotal role in supporting businesses through the pandemic’s unprecedented challenges. By providing critical guidance, real-time updates on evolving regulations, and resources such as the COVID-19 portal, multiple reports, five flash surveys, and charter flights the Chamber ensured its members remained informed and prepared to navigate operational and travel complexities in China.

July

Inaugural Social Impact Initiative Launched

Inaugural Social Impact Initiative Launched

AmCham China introduced this initiative to highlight the private sector’s critical role in supporting China’s objectives, leveraging the unique expertise of its members. To date, the initiative has included over 30 working sessions and three high-profile Social Impact Summits.

September

Back to Work Charter Flight

Back to Work Charter Flight
On Sept. 13, AmCham China’s Back to Work Charter Flight became the first such flight from the US to fly directly into Beijing since the pandemic began, as well as the first multi-company charter flight from any country to fly directly into the capital, as 87 passengers made the trip from San Francisco.
2022
January

US-China Fast-Track Travel Channel Program

US-China Fast-Track Travel Channel Program

AmCham China, in collaboration with AmCham Shanghai, worked closely with the Chinese central and key local governments to establish and launch the US-China Fast-Track Travel Channel Program, which made it easier for businesspeople and their families to travel to and from China. The program was developed following the November 2021 virtual meeting between President Xi and President Biden, during which China agreed to streamline travel procedures for American executives. Shortly thereafter, the framework for the fast-track channel was approved.

January

Chair Participates in Premier Li Keqiang’s Roundtable at Diaoyutai

Chair Participates in Premier Li Keqiang’s Roundtable at Diaoyutai

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hosted a roundtable briefing at Diaoyutai in Beijing with foreign business group leaders to mark the 70th anniversary of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). AmCham China Chairman Colm Rafferty was invited to deliver in-person remarks at the event. AmCham China Board members Sherry Carbary and Fernando Vallina also attended in person. Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin, and various ministers and vice ministers of relevant government agencies were also present.

2023
June

Meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Beijing

Meeting with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Beijing

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with a small group of US business leaders in Beijing, including AmCham China Chairman Colm Rafferty and Vice Chair Roberta Lipson, to discuss the role private companies can play in supporting US-China relations.

October

Establishment of the AmCham China Southwest Chapter in Chengdu

Establishment of the AmCham China Southwest Chapter in Chengdu

AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter was officially established in Chengdu. This marked a milestone in continuing US-China economic cooperation in the Southwest region. The Southwest Chapter serves as the regional hub for daily operations, offering services and member engagement through collaborations, knowledge sharing, business development, and government relations activities, and covers Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet.