But neither man, two of the world's richest people and
keen philanthropists themselves, would give any details, explaining it was up
to the people themselves to talk about any donations that may have been made or
talked about.
"I don't think it's appropriate to talk about any
particular individual. There were some gifts that were very generous,"
Microsoft founder Gates told a news conference.
"As you know there are some people who've come out
publicly and talked about (how) they're going to do quite substantial
philanthropy," he added, saying that two-thirds of the people they invited
had showed up, or some 50 people.
"We were very impressed. The people we were with
last night had ideas about things they wanted to do. They saw the charitable
sector at an early stage and were asking about what lessons there might be from
the United States," said Gates.
Buffett and Gates are urging American billionaires to
give away at least half their wealth during their lifetime or upon their death
by signing the Giving Pledge, which so far has 40 members.
Their dinner sparked intense media interest in China, and
speculation the two would walk away empty-handed.
But they published an open letter ahead of their China
visit saying they did not intend to force anyone in the country to give up
their wealth, writing that all they wanted to do was share their experiences
and listen to Chinese views.
