(Click here to watch the online celebration)

In a few days, we will celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, I wish to extend festive greetings to all the overseas Chinese, Chinese students, Chinese enterprises employees and friends from all walks of life in this consular district. We would also like to give our best wishes to our great motherland for great prosperity of the country and well-being of our people.

72 years ago, the founding of the People's Republic of China opened a new chapter in China's history. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have been forging ahead with tenacity and perseverance to build a strong and prosperous country. China has accomplished just in a few decades of time what took the developed countries hundreds of years to accomplish.

We have blazed a great path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, made remarkable achievements, and lifted the country out of poverty and backwardness. Great changes have taken place in China and the country has taken on a new look with prosperity and vitality unseen before. The Chinese nation has achieved tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, and is advancing with unstoppable momentum toward rejuvenation.

At the ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping solemnly declared that China has realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and has brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty in China, and is now marching in confident strides toward the second centenary goal of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.

To realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation is the common aspiration of all the Chinese people, both at home and abroad. We take pride of the great achievements of the motherland and have full confidence in the bright prospect of nation's great rejuvenation. We believe this goal will be accomplished.

This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. It is also the 50th anniversary of Dr. Kissinger's secret visit to China and the 50th anniversary of "Ping Pong Diplomacy". Over the past half century, despite ups and downs, China-U.S. relations have achieved unprecedented development, bringing tremendous benefits to both of our peoples and contributing to the world peace, stability and prosperity.

Today, China-U.S. relations have come to a new historical juncture, facing with a crucial choice of where to go.

Recently, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Biden. The two heads of state held candid, in-depth and extensive strategic communication on China-US relations and other important issues, which pointed out the direction and provided important guidance for the future development of China-U.S. relations.

As President Xi Jinping pointed out, when China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit; when China and the United States are in confrontation, the two countries and the world will suffer. Getting China-US relationship right is not an option, but something we must do and must do well.

As to how to do it well, President Xi Jinping made clear during the call that China and the United States need to show broad vision and shoulder great responsibilities. The two countries should look ahead and press forward, demonstrate strategic courage and political resolve, and bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track of stable development as soon as possible.

China and the U.S. should meet each other halfway, adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, properly manage differences through dialogue to avoid confrontation and conflict, and continuously expand common interests through cooperation. They need to find a way of peaceful co-existence between the two major countries that have different political systems, cultures and development stages.

Sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are important part of China-U.S. relations. It is also the work that our Consulate is committed to.

California is an important participant and beneficiary of China-U.S. practical exchange and cooperation. It has close ties and in-depth cooperation with China in trade, investment, tourism, education and other areas. China is California's largest trading partner. One-third of cargo volume of China-U.S. trade in goods goes through the Los Angeles-Long Beach Ports. California is also the US state that attracts the most Chinese investment, foreign students and tourists. California's close connection with China is a vivid portrayal of the closely intertwined interests between China and the U.S. and defines the mutually beneficial nature of China-US relations.

There are huge potentials for China-U.S. sub-national exchanges and cooperation. We hope through the joint efforts of all walks of life in this consular district, these potentials can be further tapped, so that more progress can be achieved and more benefits can be brought to our people.

Since assuming the duty as Consul General, I have visited many cities in this consular district and met with friends from all walks of life. What impressed me deeply is that there is a solid foundation for China-U.S. sub-national exchanges and cooperation. People in general are rational and pragmatic. They aspire for China-U.S. friendship and have nice sentiments towards Chinese people. They wish to see more in-depth exchanges and cooperation between China and the US.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out all of sudden. Local governments, companies and civil organizations in China and the U.S. extended support and donated medical supplies to each other. Many touching stories still remains in our memory. There are many other similar touching stories of China-U.S. friendship. This fully shows that China-U.S. friendship enjoys broad public support. This is where our confidence lies in doing the work on China-U.S. relations.

Sister city relations are an important channel for promoting sub-national exchanges and cooperation and friendship between the peoples. Many cities in this consular district have established sister city relations with China. Over the years, the two sides have maintained close contacts and carried out many exchange activities, which has played an important role in promoting China-U.S. sub-national cooperation, and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.

Not long ago, I attended the award ceremony of the 2nd "Long Beach-Qingdao Sister City University Student Penpal Exchange Program", and witnessed how young students from the two countries communicated with their pens and hearts. Many teachers and students mentioned in their remarks that this program helped to inspire each other during the pandemic and deepen their friendship. An award-winning student also said through candid communication between the peers, they have broadened their horizon and will make a better world.

I am pleased to note that this youth exchange activity has received strong support from the governments, universities and enterprises of the two cities. It produced positive social impact and pushed forward the development of sister city relations.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Guangzhou and Los Angeles. The two cities are planning for celebration events. It is our hope that we can take this opportunity to further promote exchange and cooperation between the two cities so as to contribute to China-U.S. sub-national ties.

I would also like to give my high regards and heartfelt thanks to the overseas Chinese community. The pandemic has lingered for over a year and seen surges from time to time. It poses a threat to people's health and disrupts their life and work. In fighting the pandemic, the Chinese community has demonstrated strong resilience.

In face of racial discrimination and hate crimes against Asians, the Chinese community stayed together and made no hesitation to speak out, which has forcefully safeguarded their legitimate rights and interests and demonstrated the strength of unity.

By donating money and medical supplies, the Chinese community has provided valuable support to both their native country and local communities to assist their effort in fighting against the pandemic. This exemplifies their humanitarian spirit of helping out others through thick and thin.

The Chinese community answered to call of "non-essential, non-emergency, and no travel", and gave full understanding and cooperation to the special requirements and practices made by the Consulate for "Double Testing" and travel documents application, which have contributed to China's pandemic control and prevention efforts.

On the occasion of the centenary of the CPC, the Chinese community spontaneously organized various celebrations to express their sincere blessings to the motherland. After the flooding occurred in Henan Province, many Chinese compatriots made donations spontaneously to help the disaster-stricken areas. We were deeply touched by their benevolence and kindness.

Playing the important role as the bridge and link in China-U.S. relations, many members of the Chinese community in this consular district have made important contributions to promoting China-U.S. relations, especially the sub-national exchanges and cooperation.

At present, the pandemic in the United States is experiencing a new round of surge due to the virus variants, and China-U.S. relations are also at a critical moment. We hope that the Chinese community members will continue to take precautions to ensure health and safety of themselves.

We also hope that they will continue to give care and support to China-U.S. relations and work together to push China-U.S. relations back to the right track.

The Consulate will vigorously implement "diplomacy for the people". We will continue to take care of the well-being of the Chinese community, serve their needs, safeguard their rights and interests and promote the development of community groups.

My best wishes to the friends in this consular district for good health, family happiness and every success.