To celebrate the 54th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles Zhong Jianhua and Mrs. Zhong hosted a reception at their residence on the evening of September 24, 2003. More than 200 guests attended the reception including representatives from the local governments, non-governmental organizations, commercial, cultural and educational communities, and the Consular Corps.
During the opening remarks, Consul General Zhong Jianhua noted that October 1st of this year would be the first National Day after the SARS outbreak in China. The past one year has witnessed the successful and smooth leadership transition in China. Supported by all the Chinese people, the new leaders and new Government combated successfully against natural disasters like floods, droughts and most notably, SARS epidemic. The economy is steaming with more than 8% growth rate. China is becoming more prosperous, powerful and at the same time, taking up more responsibilities in the international affairs.
Zhong said that during the past year, the China-US relations scored substantial achievements. The top leaders of the two countries met several times and constantly exchanged views on issues of mutual concern. Censuses was reached, common ground further fortified and differences were not dodged. The two countries work closely on anti-terrorism, Korean Nuclear issue of DPRK and many other regional and global issues. The bilateral relationship is now in the best shape ever. Zhong emphasized that such a good relationship is built on our increasing common interests, especially on the strong and robust economic cooperation and people to people exchanges between our two countries. United States is now the No. 1 trading partner of China and China is the No. 4 trading partner of US and the biggest customer of Los Angeles port. Los Angeles and southern California boast the biggest Chinese population in US and more and more Chinese are coming to this area. He believes that, with the solid basis cemented by these exchanges and other efforts, we will secure a mature and most promising bilateral relationship in the days to come.
Governor Gray Davis of California, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Mayor James Hahn of Los Angeles, Mayor Jalmage Burke of Alhambra, Monterey Park City Council, Orange County Board of Supervisors all sent representatives who presented certificates of recognition or commendation. Speaker Herb Wesson and Assembly members Wilma Chan, Judy Chu, Carol Liu and Leland Yee of the California State Assembly presented a resolution congratulating on the 54th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Guests at the reception also enjoyed Chinese food prepared by the chef of the Chinese Consulate as well as Chinese folk music performed by both Chinese and American artists.