Atlanta, January 1, 2025 – With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the AAPI community mourns and reflects on his legacy in the Georgia community.
During his term as the Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975, Carter left a diplomatic legacy that improved the bilateral and trade relations between Georgia and Japan.
The Consulate General of Japan office in Atlanta officially opened in February 1974 after reciprocating then-former Governor Jimmy Carter's effort to establish a direct economic link with Japan. Governor Carter opened a trade and tourism office in Tokyo in 1973.
Since the establishment of direct economic links, Georgia including the Southeast region has benefitted from a wave of Japanese direct investments and trade over the years. Over 600 Japanese companies are operating in Georgia and over 100,000 jobs have been created.
The Ambassador of Japan to the USA, Honorable Shigeo Yamada and the Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, Honorable Mio Maeda sent condolence messages expressing deep condolences to the Carter family in Plains.
It was President Carter who established full diplomatic ties with China in January 1979 – which also meant severing formal relations with Taiwan – against the strong opposition that he faced in the US Congress.
“President Carter's contribution to the US-China relations is immeasurable,” said Lani Wong, Chairwoman of the National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA).
After the 9-day visit by China's Vice Premier Deng Xiao Peng to the US in February 1979, the U.S. started accepting Chinese scholars, students, and municipal administrators.
It marked a pivotal moment in the U.S.-China relationship and opened the door for a significant exchange of scholars and students between the two countries.
NACA plays a critical role in hosting the Chinese scholars, administrators, and students who arrive in Georgia.
“We hosted the first Chinese scholar arriving in Georgia, Mr. Mao Guo-Liang, who was involved with research in 1979,” Wong remembers vividly.
Georgia Tech and Emory University saw an increased enrollment of Chinese mainland students between 1979-1990.
NACA has hosted and sponsored various programs involving education and research involving Chinese students and scholars, including Georgia Tech's CIBER, Georgia Tech's Shenzhen campus, and Georgia Tech-Emory-Beijing University Research Program.
“President Carter established the foundation for China's modernization effort. The movement also laid the foundation for strong educational and cultural ties between the two nations and Georgia, despite the political tensions over the years,” adds Wong.
“Many Chinese students who studied during this period returned to China, contributing significantly to its development, while others remained in the U.S. contributing to innovation and cultural integration,” said Wong.
Several Georgia leading companies benefit from the bilateral exchange between China and Georgia. Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and UPS are some of the Fortune 500 companies that have created jobs and market opportunities with China.
Statement by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru. Courtesy: Consulate General of Japan-Atlanta.
