September 2, 2023

Good afternoon!

It is such a joy to join you at the Washington Chinese Culture Festival. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on the opening of the festival. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Beijing delegation and artists from the Beijing Dance Academy, who have travelled a long way to be here with us. Also, let me salute the government of Washington D.C., Chinese communities in the country and all the artists for making this wonderful event possible!

This is the 21st edition of the Chinese Culture Festival. As an annual cultural feast, the festival has offered insights into what China is, and bridged hearts of Chinese and American peoples together. After three years of the pandemic, we finally have it back again. Today, you will not only get “a bite of China” literally, but also have a first-hand experience of our culture. Enjoy the show. Make a dough figurine yourself. Do a Peking Opera facial makeup. Learn to be a master of Tai Chi. In all this, you will see how the Chinese culture, ancient as it is, continues to brim with vitality.

For all the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, our two peoples have never stopped reaching out to each other. Ralph Emerson, for instance, was a great fan of traditional Chinese culture. So, what are some key words about the Chinese civilization?

First, continuity. It is the only civilization in the world that has stretched uninterrupted for over 5,000 years.

Second, creativity. While celebrating its rich heritage, the Chinese civilization continues to evolve and gain new vigor.

Third, unity. We value solidarity and unification, and want no division or turbulence. Taiwan is China’s Taiwan, and people on both sides of the Strait are brothers and sisters.

Fourth, inclusiveness. We keep enriching our civilization by drawing on other cultures.

Fifth, peace. The Great Wall built 2,000 years ago was meant for defense. Camels along the Silk Road 1,000 years ago carried tea and porcelain. Under the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping 10 years ago, we have seen over 3,000 cooperation projects and investment of nearly 1 trillion US dollars. The initiative is now a widely popular global public good and international cooperation platform.

Both China and the United States are multi-ethnic, multi-cultural countries. Both peoples are hard-working and talented. We share the same guts, grit and gusto to chase our dreams. The over 5 million Chinese Americans have contributed to local communities tremendously.

Be it coffee or tea, each is there for its own reason. Differences between civilizations should not be the cause of conflict, but should be the impetus for progress. A case in point is Kung Fu Panda, a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. At the festival today, you will hear musicians playing Chinese folk songs on Western instruments. See what chemistry there will be!

Sunlight is made up of seven colors. Likewise, the world is a diverse one. The Global Civilization Initiative put forward by President Xi is exactly about upholding cultural diversity, promoting the common values of humanity, and boosting people-to-people exchanges, so that all civilizations will bring out their best and bloom together.

Progress or regression? Prosperity or conflict? It largely depends on how we view and handle differences between civilizations. Let’s open our mind, appreciate the beauty in each other’s culture, break down barriers, and strengthen cultural ties, so that we will understand each other better and grow our friendship, and bring more positive energy into China-U.S. relations.

Thank you all! And Have Fun!