Dear neighbors, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening!

Many of the friendly faces here tonight are people I pass by every day on my way to and from work. This is what Chinese call Yuanfen, or a destined connection. I'm glad we're gathered here today, have a little chat, and from now on, call each other friends.

There's an old Chinese saying: “Distant relatives are not as helpful as nearby neighbors.”. In our culture, a harmonious neighborhood is not only a source of personal happiness but the foundation for a stable society. 

When I first arrived here and saw that our neighborhood is called “Hell's Kitchen”, I was a bit startled—I thought it meant the food here was terrible! But I quickly learned that Hell's Kitchen has long since transformed into a lively, diverse, and thriving neighborhood, thanks to the incredible people who live and work here. 

No neighborhood can feel safe, welcoming, or supportive without the everyday guardians who look after it. Tonight, we're honored to welcome friends from Midtown's schools, and local service agencies. You bring trust, warmth, and strength to our neighborhoods. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate, please accept our deepest respect and heartfelt  thanks.

Located in the heart of Manhattan, our Consulate is more than a window into China. It serves as a bridge: connecting China and the U.S., serving the public, and being a trusted member of our community. We hope to share China's stories, offer support where we can, and build sincere, lasting friendships with you all.

When you think of China, what comes to mind? Kung Fu, Peking Opera, or pandas? High-speed trains,  the Great Wall,  or the Forbidden City?  Maybe the Monkey King or Labubu? More and more Americans are embracing Chinese culture. “China Travel”“China Shopping” and “China Study” are becoming trending topics.  Here's some good news: U.S. passport holders transiting from the China’s mainland to a third region can now enjoy visa-free visits for 10 days in China.  You're welcome to take a trip to China, or send your kids for a study exchange and see today's China  firsthand.

China-U.S. relations experience ups and downs, and we are now in a critical moment. But let's not forget: 80 years ago, our two nations stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against fascism. The Flying Tigers, the Doolittle Raid, the Hump route—these stories remind us of a time when our peoples trusted and helped each other in pursuit of peace and justice.  When China-U.S. relations are strong, both peoples enjoy their lives, and the world enjoys greater stability.  This isn't just a shared hope—it's a responsibility we both carry as major nations.

The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in our peoples.  Its strength comes from local communities. We may speak different languages or come from different cultures, but we all share a desire for friendship and a better life.  It's in everyday interactions — a wave on the street, a  genuine “hello”, or a cultural celebration like tonight — that we build real understanding.  I believe kindness and connection will continue to bring warmth and hope to the China-U.S. relationship.

Thank you all for joining us tonight.  I hope you enjoy a lovely evening here at our Consulate!