Amid tense China-U.S. relations, the Harvard College China Forum has brought together some of the world’s most prominent thought leaders to discuss the challenges, trends and issues related to China.

“The dark clouds of misunderstanding and miscalculation are gathering. The ice of a ‘new Cold War’ is in the process of being formed. What are the reasons? And what are the solutions for China-U.S. relations? How can the two sides find a new way to get along? These are the questions of the century for the whole world.” Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang said in the keynote speech at the forum’s opening ceremony.

In a recorded video speech, Ambassador Qin particularly stressed some of the wrong “common sense” and “political correctness” against China in the U.S. society.

“We should use the power of truth to break the so-called ‘common sense’ built up by stereotypes, remove the so-called ‘political correctness’ that seems to be hard to dissolve, and improve the stiff and tense situation that goes against the true interest of the people from the two nations.” Qin said.

Qin said he hopes every participant in the Harvard College China Forum can be an “ice breaker” of the current China-U.S. relations.

Ambassador Qin’s remarks were followed in similar tones by several American speakers on the opening of the forum, including Harvard economist Larry Summers, who served as U.S. Treasury Secretary and President of Harvard University.

Summers said China and the U.S. are great nations which created miraculous growth for mankind over the past 100 years, but they also have the power and technologies to either improve the world or destroy it.

“We are brothers in the family of man. Sharing a common planet that will determine our safety. We are facing common threats. We have a common stake in basic order and security that enable our people to prosper and flourish.” Summers said.

Despite disagreements between the two major powers, many at the forum believe those differences should not stand in the way of cooperation, particularly around combating climate change, fighting terrorism, and working toward world peace.

“Ultimately, I am optimistic about cooperation, not because I have concrete suggestions about how the two countries can work together, but because the benefits to the world of us learning to work together again are so enormous and the risks to the world, if we do not work together, are so great.” Michael Szonyi, Director of Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies of Harvard University, said on the forum.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Harvard College China Forum - a student-run conference that gathers annually to discuss China related issues.

The forum aims to engage leaders in business, academia, and politics in a discourse that offers insights and generates ideas.

“I sincerely wish that this Harvard China Forum can collect good ideas and brainstorm on how to disperse the dark clouds of misunderstanding and miscalculation. I hope each participant can be an ice breaker.” Ambassador Qin Gang said.

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.