On the evening of September 21, 2023, the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco hosted a National Day reception in celebration of the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. More than 500 guests from all walks of life attended the event, including Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Secretary of Government Operations Amy Tong, Director of San Francisco Regional Office, Office of Foreign Missions of U.S. Department of State Clayton Stanger, San Francisco Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu. California Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna sent the letters of congratulation.
Consul General Zhang Jianmin extended a warm welcome to the guests in his remarks. He pointed out that over the past 74 years, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in achieving remarkable accomplishments. The 20th CPC National Congress laid out an ambitious blueprint for our new journey. Along the path of Chinese modernization, we are now striving towards the second Centenary Goal through efforts in advancing prosperity and rejuvenation. Despite the slowing global economic growth and complex international environment, the fundamentals sustaining China’s long-term growth remain unchanged. The Chinese economy is on an upward trajectory and remains the primary driving force in the global economy. China will stay committed to high-standard opening up and making progress in Chinese modernization through high-quality development, which will bring more new opportunities to the rest of the world.
Consul General Zhang pointed out that a sound and stable China-U.S. relationship is in the interest of both countries. It is also the shared expectation of the international community. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, as put forward by President Xi Jinping, are the right principles to follow if our two countries are to get along well with each other. Recently, both sides have kept communication and dialogue in various fields, producing constructive outcomes. We are excited that Governor Newsom has publicly announced that he will lead a delegation to visit China next month. It is therefore imperative for both sides to build upon the momentum, work in the same direction and continue to take concrete action to follow through on what our two presidents have agreed and to steer China-U.S. relations back onto the right track.
Consul General Zhang emphasized that the hope and foundation of the China-U.S. relationship lie in the people. President Xi has recently sent reply letters to the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association, the grandson of General Joseph Stilwell Mr. Easterbrook, the Chairman of Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Tigers veterans. This fully demonstrates the great importance the Chinese side attaches to people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco is committed to working together with friends from all sectors to promote sub-national exchanges and cooperation, strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples and contribute to healthy and steady growth of China-U.S. relations.
In his congratulatory letter, Governor Newsom pointed out that California and China enjoy a meaningful partnership built on culture exchange, economic opportunity and addressing climate change. California is eager to continue working alongside the People's Republic of China to advance mutual interest and shared prosperity. He looks forward to furthering these efforts during his visit to China next month. Secretary Tong read out Governor Newsom’s letter.
Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis offered congratulations on behalf of the people of California. She emphasized that California and China enjoy a long-standing and mutually respectful relationship. Since the founding of the State of California, Chinese immigrants have played a critical role. Today, nearly 1.5 million Californians are of Chinese descent. International trade fuels the California economy and China has long been one of California’s most important trading partners. In 2022, China was California's number one trade partner, with two-way trade amounting to over $165 billion. California and China have also built a notable record of collaboration on climate. Over the last 10 years, California has signed more than 20 Memoranda of Understanding with China. Governor Newsom’s visit to China will advance mutual work to take the cooperation to a higher level.
Treasurer Ma gave a vivid introduction of her recent visit to China emphasizing her dedication to promoting exchanges and cooperation between California and China in the fields of people, government, trade and education.
Chief of Protocol Muduroglu recalled San Francisco’s long-standing relationship with China, noting that the Chinese community had played a pivotal role in the rich tapestry of San Francisco's history. San Francisco is committed to strengthening exchanges with China to enhance unity, mutual respect and understanding.
In a friendly and amiable atmosphere, the attendees toasted to celebrate the National Day of China, anticipating its greater achievements in development and new contributions to world peace and prosperity. The guests extended their best wishes to people’s well-being and the everlasting friendship between China and the United States.
