On September 29, California officials and representatives from various sections of society joined the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles in an online celebration (Click here to watch) for the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In his remarks, Consul General Zhang Ping highlighted China's accomplishments under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The changes in China made in a few decades enabled the country to transform "from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong", he said. "We take pride of the great achievements of the motherland and have full confidence in the bright prospect of nation's great rejuvenation."

Recognizing the development of China-U.S. relations that have gone through "ups and downs" over the past half century since Dr. Henry Kissinger's first secret visit to China, Zhang said the bilateral relationship has "come to a new historical juncture".

"Getting the China-U.S. relationship right is not an option, but something we must do and must do well," Zhang cited what President Xi Jinping pointed out in his  phone call with President Biden earlier this month, adding that the two countries "need to show broad vision and shoulder great responsibilities".

The U.S. should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, according to Zhang, and work with China to "find a way of peaceful co-existence between the two major countries that have different political systems, cultures and development stages".

U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, who sent a congratulatory video message for China's national day, said that "cooperation between the U.S. and China has had historic significance, like defeating fascism in WWII". She commended the contribution of the 20,000 Chinese Americans who "went on to serve during the War," and the "Flying Tigers" as volunteers "to help China face the Japanese".

Chu also pointed out that cooperation between the U.S. and China "is vital for moving the globe forward" and that there's still "so much more" opportunities for the two nations to work together on, from combating climate change to defeating the pandemic.

Talking about sub-national ties between China and California, Consul General Zhang and California officials, organization leaders expected more economic, trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis of California said in a written message that the Golden State's ties to China are "deep, long-standing, and enduring" and "we are extremely proud of these close relations."

"These ties and cultural connections have helped to make China California's largest trading partner in Asia. It is my hope that continued friendly people-to-people relations will continue in the coming year," she wrote.

Zhang also described California's connection with China "a vivid portrayal of the closely intertwined interests between China and the U.S." that defines the mutually beneficial nature of the bilateral relations.

Saying that in his impression most American people "aspire for China-U.S. friendship and have nice sentiments towards Chinese people," Zhang gave confidence in exploring more potentials for the sub-national exchanges and cooperation.

He also noted that there are many pairs of China-U.S. sister cities in the Consulate's consular district, including Qingdao and Long Beach, as well as Guangzhou and Los Angeles, which will celebrate 40 years of a sister-city relationship together this year.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger of the Los Angeles County joined the celebration on behalf of the most populous U.S. county.

"The Board takes this opportunity to express appreciation for the continued friendship between the people of China and the residents of Los Angeles County," said Barger in a written message.

In his video message, Curt Hagman, Chairman of Board of Supervisors of San Bernadino County, sent his regards to the Chinese people, as well as the county's sister city Wuxi of China's Jiangsu Province. "Thank you for your partnership during these trying times," he said.

"China is our biggest trading partner. We value our partners from China tremendously," said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.

He pointed out that the tariff disputes have affected trade between the U.S. and China, adding that although cargo volume has improved in the past 18 months, trade policy remains a central concern. "As a port authority, we sincerely hope our two nations find ways to resolve their differences and resume trade normalcy" .

Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, offered well wishes on behalf of the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States.

"We celebrate decades of collaboration and shared discovery, particularly in the field of Vertebrate Paleontology," she said, hoping to resume important shared work, paused by the pandemic, alongside their Chinese colleagues and continue to develop relationships with their sister museum in China next year.

Jeffrey Greene, Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, and Harry Moyer, a centenarian "Flying Tiger" veteran fighter pilot, also extended their greetings upon China's National Day in their video message.

"My best wishes for the Chinese people as they celebrate China's National Day," said Moyer, who was based in Chengdu of China in 1944, where his fighter squadron was supporting B-29 Bombers that were flying missions against the Japanese Home islands and also supporting the Chinese who were fighting the Japanese in central China.

In the celebration, Zhang extended regards and thanks to the overseas Chinese community, who "has demonstrated strong resilience" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and stayed together, making no hesitation to speak out in face of racial discrimination and hate crimes against Asians.

"Playing the important role as the bridge and link in China-U.S. relations, many members of the Chinese community have made important contributions to promoting China-U.S. relations, especially the sub-national exchanges and cooperation," Zhang said, hoping that they will continue to work together to push the relations back to the right track.

"So many immigrants from China have made incredible contributions to our country as well. We can see it every day here in Southern California, where the Chinese community is an essential part of our vibrancy from the food we eat, to how we conduct business," Chu said.

The congresswoman stressed that the growing impact of the Chinese community in California can be very helpful at erasing xenophobia and encouraging more work together and she is committed to fighting all prejudice and anti-Asian sentiments.