Zhang Jianmin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco, and his wife Zheng Xin attended the opening ceremony of the "Chinese Kunqu Opera Culture Performance & Exhibition" at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon on July 8, 2023. Distinguished guests from various walks of life in Portland, including Carmen Rubio, Portland Commissioner, Robert Fraser, Chair of Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association and Elizabeth Nye, Executive Director of Lan Su Chinese Garden participated in the event.
In his remarks, Consul General Zhang expressed congratulations on the successful inauguration of the Kunqu Opera Cultural Exhibition. He extended his appreciation to all those who have supported cultural exchanges and sister city cooperation between China and the United States. Consul General Zhang warmly welcomed the Kunqu opera artists who had traveled from afar to perform. He highlighted the enduring bond between Suzhou and Portland over the past 35 years, characterized by mutual support and collaboration. The two cities have fostered closer people-to-people exchanges and achieved fruitful cooperation in various domains such as economy, trade, culture, education, and tourism. This partnership stands as a model for subnational relationship between China and the US. Consul General Zhang expressed hope that the 35th anniversary would serve as an impetus for the two cities to further enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in diverse fields, deepen friendly relations, and make substantial contributions to the sound and stable development of China-US relations.
Consul General Zhang emphasized that in March of this year, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing the joint advocacy of respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. This initiative represents China’s solution for inclusive coexistence and mutual learning among diverse civilizations. Consul General Zhang highlighted the crucial role of amicable connections between people in shaping state-to-state relations, emphasizing that the foundation of China-US relations rests upon the people. He expressed hope for collaborative efforts between China and the United States to implement what the China and American Presidents agreed upon. This would entails strengthening people-to-people exchanges and facilitating expanded personnel exchanges across diverse fields, thus bringing about improvement and growth of China-US relations.
Commissioner Rubio spoke highly of the close exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, economy, and trade between Portland and Suzhou over the past 35 years. She highlighted Lan Su Chinese Garden as an important symbol of the friendship between the two cities. Commissioner Rubio expressed optimism about the future, expecting further advancement in exchanges and cooperation, benefiting both cities and their residents.
Robert Fraser, representing the Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association, reiterated the association's commitment to promoting friendly exchanges between Portland and Suzhou. With the 35th anniversary as a fresh starting point, the association aims to advance cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities, elevating their friendship to a new height.
The Chinese Kunqu Opera Culture Exhibition is a significant component of the series of events commemorating the 35th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Suzhou and Portland. This exhibition offers a captivating exploration of Kunqu opera's rich history, encompassing its various roles, distinctive facial makeup, exquisite costumes, enchanting music, timeless classic works, and international performance exchanges. The performing artists from Jiangsu Suzhou Kun Opera Troupe staged the highlights of the opera "Peony Pavilion" within the picturesque setting of Lan Su Chinese Garden. This performance provided the audience with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the ambiance of Suzhou's classical gardens and the Kunqu Opera art, exemplifying the best of traditional Chinese culture. The exhibition will last until July 30.
