Publish Date: September 27, 2025, 03:08h.
Updated on: September 27, 2025, 03:09h.
- Rob Goldstein, CEO of Las Vegas Sands, recently engaged with Chinese Premier Li Qiang
- The Chinese leader showed interest in enhancing the bilateral ties with the U.S.
- Sands operates five casino resorts in Macau, China
Robert Goldstein, who became the chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands in January 2021 following the passing of his mentor, Sheldon Adelson, participated in a meeting last week with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
For many years, Goldstein worked closely with Adelson, the founder and longtime leader of Sands, who transformed Macau into the world’s premier gaming destination by developing the luxurious Cotai Strip.
Li, who is a key associate of Chinese President Xi Jinping, met with various American executives during his visit to the U.S. for the UN General Assembly, including representatives from LVS.
Las Vegas Sands no longer has any resorts on the Strip or elsewhere in the U.S., focusing primarily on its operations in Macau and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Meeting Highlights
Goldstein was one of several business leaders, at least eight in total, who held a private session with Li in New York following the UN meeting. Bloomberg was the first to report Goldstein’s presence.
“As we look ahead, it is essential for China and the US to navigate their relationship in this new era,” Li remarked during the event facilitated by the National Committee on US-China Relations, as noted in a statement from the Chinese government. “Economic and trade connections form a vital part of our bilateral relationship.”
Li expressed that the two largest economies in the world should aim to be allies.
These sentiments come as a positive development for Sands, which manages five integrated resort casino properties in China — including The Venetian, Sands, The Londoner, The Plaza & Four Seasons Hotel, and The Parisian. Sands’ Macau operations produced over $7.1 billion in net revenue in 2024.
Concerns have arisen among U.S.-based gaming companies, like Sands, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts, about potential repercussions from President Donald Trump’s trade policies that could affect their interests in Macau.
However, Li’s remarks indicate a desire from the Chinese Communist Party to foster a stronger relationship with the United States.
“China will strive to create a more stable environment for the expansion of foreign companies, regardless of external circumstances,” Li added.
The premier noted that the Pacific Ocean can “accommodate a robust bilateral relationship” between the U.S. and China, alongside other nations, urging for enhanced cooperation.
Li’s Influence
In addition to Goldstein and Sands, Li also engaged leaders from notable firms such as BlackRock, Citadel Securities, Visa, FedEx, Estee Lauder, and Amphenol.
Li, a pro-business figure, has served as Premier since March 2023, leading the government of the People’s Republic of China and overseeing the State Council.
Goldstein is set to retire next year, with Sands President and COO Patrick Dumont, who is also Dr. Miriam Adelson’s son-in-law, expected to take over his position.