Each has its own reasons for existence. Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng: You have coffee, I have tea. People | the United States | Coffee
The 21st Washington Chinese Culture Festival was held near Capitol Hill in the US capital on the 2nd local time, attracting nearly 10000 American citizens to participate. Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, attended the event and delivered a speech.
Xie Feng said in his speech that the Washington Chinese Culture Festival has gone through 20 years and has become an annual cultural event, opening a window for the American people to understand China and building a bridge for the two peoples to know and get to know each other.
Xie Feng stated that Chinese civilization is continuous and the only civilization in the world that has lasted for over 5000 years without interruption; Chinese civilization is innovative, constantly developing through inheritance and constantly sublimating through change; Chinese civilization is unified, advocating unity and unity is a blessing, while division and turmoil are disasters. Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood; Chinese civilization is inclusive, drawing on and absorbing all outstanding achievements of human civilization; Chinese civilization is peaceful. The Great Wall built 2000 years ago was defensive, and the Silk Road was opened 1000 years ago to transport tea and porcelain.
Xie Feng pointed out that both China and the United States are countries with multiple ethnic groups coexisting and diverse cultures integrating, and both live with hardworking, wise, brave, self respecting, confident, and self strengthening people. More than 5 million overseas Chinese in the United States have inherited the excellent traditions of the Chinese nation and made important contributions to the local economic and social development. You have coffee and I have tea, each with its own reasons for existence. Civilization differences should not be the root cause of conflicts, but should become the driving force for progress.
Xie Feng also said that whether history moves towards progress or regression, and whether countries move towards prosperity or conflict largely depends on how we view and handle the differences between different civilizations. "Let us use our eyes that are good at discovering beauty, an open and inclusive heart, break down communication barriers, tighten cultural ties, reduce misunderstandings and differences, enhance understanding and friendship, and inject more warmth and momentum into the development of China US relations."
On that day, more than 40 booths were set up at the event site, showcasing Chinese culture from multiple angles and dimensions, including activities such as Chinese specialty cuisine, calligraphy, face painting, and kneading dough figures, attracting many American people to stop and experience. In addition, a cultural performance with Chinese characteristics was also held on that day.
Brad, who arrived from Maryland, told reporters that she thinks Chinese cuisine is very delicious, but the performance is more exciting. "We have been watching for 30 minutes now, and these performances are amazing. I have never seen a similar performance before. Today's event has broadened my horizons, and Asian culture is very magical."
At the event on that day, US President Biden, Maryland Governor Moore, Washington Mayor Bowser, and others sent congratulatory letters. Bao Ze said in his congratulatory letter that the Washington Chinese Culture Festival is a celebration of Chinese culture and a promotion of cultural exchange between different cultures.
The Washington Chinese Culture Festival is jointly organized by multiple overseas Chinese communities, including the Washington Chinese Community Alliance, the Washington Area Association of Hometowns, and the Chinese College Alumni Association Federation.
