On June 6, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the United States hosted the “Tea for Harmony: East Meets West in Music” event.  Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife Wang Dan, Minister Jing Quan, Minister Counselor Chen Chunmei, over 200 American guests from various sectors and diplomats from other countries in the U.S. attended the event.

In his remarks, Ambassador Xie noted that tea has been a way of life and a refined art for the Chinese people over the past thousands of years. It connects history with reality, and embodies China’s principles of modesty and respect for others. It connects man with nature, and illustrates China’s philosophy of observing the laws of nature. It also connects China with the world, and reflects China’s value of harmony in diversity. Through the “magical oriental leaves”, one can have a glimpse into China’s natural and cultural treasures.

Ambassador Xie said that as a bond between Eastern and Western civilizations, tea offers China’s wisdom to solve the world’s problems through a peaceful path, and bears witness to the history of China and the U.S. ending estrangement and seeking win-win cooperation. When China and the U.S. pursue mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, it will benefit not only both countries, but also world peace and development. 

Ambassador Xie pointed out that the China-U.S. relationship is now at a critical juncture. It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China in the same direction, follow through on the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump during their phone calls, roll back erroneous moves taken against China, and create the necessary conditions for bringing the relationship back to the right track. Ambassador Xie encouraged people with vision from both countries to speak up for reason, build more bridges of exchanges and cooperation, and play a positive role in promoting the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

The guests enjoyed a concert featuring guzheng, pipa, and operatic pieces brought by Washington-based cultural groups in partnership with the Embassy Series, blending Eastern and Western melodies. They experienced an immersive journey into the tea culture, sampling both traditional Chinese tea and modern-style tea drinks. Accompanied by the “Nihao! China” tourism videos, they traveled virtually to the homeland of tea, shared an artistic feast where the East meets the West, and engaged in a dialogue between civilizations that transcends time and space.