(October 13, 2025, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, video remarks)

Distinguished guests and friends,

It gives me great pleasure to participate in today’s symposium jointly hosted by the China Society for People’s Friendship Studies and the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Mr. Snow’s birth.

Nearly 90 years ago, Edgar Snow, the renowned American journalist born in Kansas City, Missouri, broke through numerous barriers and blockades to reach Yan’an, the sacred land of the Chinese Revolution. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, he wrote the world-famous book Red Star Over China, presenting the true image of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to the world. For the first time, the international community, especially the American people, witnessed the tenacious and valorous struggle waged by the CPC in uniting and leading people of all ethnic groups across the nation in the fight for national independence and people’s liberation. When viewing the CPC, Mr. Snow cast aside ideological biases, adhered to objectivity and truth, and pursued justice and conscience. The professionalism and moral integrity he demonstrated are truly admirable. He devoted his life to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the U.S., and the Chinese people will always remember his contributions.

By commemorating Edgar Snow, we also reflect collectively on the journey the Communist Party of China has traveled. The glorious traditions and excellent discipline forged by the CPC during the Yan’an period, along with the Yan’an Spirit, have been passed on till today. In 2012, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core put forward the Eight-Point Decision, to urge all officials to improve their ways of doing things and maintain close ties with the people. This represents the continuation and innovative development of the Yan’an spirit in the new era, opening up a new realm of full and strict governance over the Party and the Party’s self-reform. Under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese nation has achieved a great leap from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, writing a magnificent chapter of rapid economic development and long-term social stability in the new era. 

By commemorating Edgar Snow, we present a true and amiable image of China to the world. In the face of the counter-current of “de-globalization” and the shocks of tariffs and trade wars, the Chinese government has implemented a more proactive and effective macro policy. China boasts a more resilient economy, a more solid foundation for development, and stronger drivers of growth. This year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan. The coming fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will deliberate on and formulate the proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan. This will not only open broader prospects for building China into a great country on all fronts and to realize great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, but also add invaluable stability and key driving force to the global economic recovery. Just as Mr. Snow recorded Yan’an with objective and impartial writing, it is hoped that today’s foreign media journalists will report China without wearing “colored lens” or applying “gloomy filters”, enabling people around the world to see a more authentic and credible image of China. 

By commemorating Edgar Snow, we forward and promote the original aspiration of establishing China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Mr. Hu Yuzhi, one of the organizers of the translation for the first official Chinese edition of Red Star Over China, once rightly commented that Mr. Snow was the first ‘swallow’ that heralded the spring of China-U.S. Relations. Between 1960 and 1970, breaking through the McCarthyist headwind in the U.S., Mr. Snow remained steadfastly committed to fostering friendly exchanges between China and the U.S. and visited China three times. On October 1, 1970, Chairman Mao Zedong invited him to the Tian’anmen Rostrum to review the National Day celebrations. In February 1972, this old friend of the Chinese people passed away. In that very same week, President Nixon visited China at the invitation of Premier Zhou Enlai, opening a new chapter in China-U.S. relations.

Over the past 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-U.S. relations have weathered storms but have always moved forward. Facts have repeatedly demonstrated that the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations is not only vital to the fundamental interests of both countries, but also a shared expectation of the international community. Since the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump have maintained frequent communication, providing the most valuable strategic guidance to the China-U.S. relations. Positive progress has been made in dialogue and exchanges between the two countries in areas such as diplomacy, economy and trade, defense, law enforcement, and legislation. At the same time, we are also soberly aware that the bilateral relationship still faces numerous complex challenges. Unilateralism, protectionism, and “decoupling and supply chain disruption are self-defeating and will lead to a calamitous aftermath. Given the new situation, China and the U.S. should work in the same direction, earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. It is essential to jointly uphold mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, so as to achieve more fruitful results in the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. This will not only benefit the two peoples but also contribute to global peace and development. 

Dear Friends,

Edgar Snow built a bridge of communication between East and West with his pen, and his name will be forever etched in the annals of China-U.S. friendship. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that the stories of China-U.S. relations are written by our peoples. We look forward to witnessing more “Edgar Snows” of this new era emerge from the American people, who are courageous and steadfast, speak out for justice, and actively tell the true, multidimensional and comprehensive story of China, and join the Chinese people in writing a new chapter for China-U.S. relations and global peace and development in the new era.

Finally, I wish the symposium complete success!

Thank you.