A delegation of more than a dozen business leaders, a higher share of high-tech and financial services companies, a five-year plan and confidence in innovation.

As reported by CCTV+, American business leaders accompanying President Donald Trump during his state visit to China expressed confidence in the country’s economic prospects and technological development.

Trump, on a three-day visit to China through Friday, is leading a high-level delegation of more than a dozen American business leaders from key sectors: technology, finance, aviation and agriculture.

Compared to Trump’s first visit in 2017, the current delegation includes a higher proportion of companies from high-tech industries and financial services.

In interviews with China Media Group at the Great Hall of the People, several prominent CEOs shared optimistic views on China’s economic trajectory and its innovation potential.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said: “I think it is one of the most incredible economies in the world, incredible innovation. It is also one of the leading countries in advancing artificial intelligence. I think you are doing great. China is doing great.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook noted: “I think the situation is very favorable. I think the people here are very excited about AI and new technologies and are embracing them. And I could not be more excited about it.”

Lawrence Culp, Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, stated: “We are very optimistic about GE Aerospace given the growth of commercial aviation in China. We are here. We are glad to be here and to play the role that we play.”

Coherent CEO Jim Anderson said: “The Chinese economy has very good prospects. I think it is a very dynamic economy, and I think it has very good prospects.” David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs Group, added: “China has introduced a very straightforward and ambitious five-year plan. It is the 15th five-year plan. And I expect China to continue to make more progress, more economic growth as they implement this next five-year plan.”

They also emphasized the importance of the Chinese market and their desire to strengthen cooperation with China.

In 2017, Trump’s delegation was looking for markets. In 2026, it is looking for innovation partners. Nvidia talks about AI, Apple talks about excitement, GE Aerospace talks about aviation growth, and Goldman Sachs talks about the five-year plan. China is no longer just the “world’s factory.” It is a laboratory, a testing ground and a market all at once. And American business has understood this.

Corporate CEOs have not forgotten how to count money. They have simply seen where the future is happening faster. And now they want to be inside.