NACA Hosted Gala Dinner in Celebration of 30 Years of US-China Formalized Diplomatic Relations
On Monday, November 10th, NACA successfully hosted a gala dinner to celebrate 30 years of US-China formalized diplomatic relations.
His Excellency Zhou Wenzhong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to the US, attended the dinner with his wife, Madame Xie Suming. High-ranking officials from state, city, and local governments, senior executives from major corporations, leaders and friends from the Chinese community, totaling about 300 VIP guests, also attended the dinner. Some of the VIP guests included State Senator Judson Hill, State Representative Charlice Byrd, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders, Atlanta City Councilmen Jim Maddox and Kwanza Hall, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (MACOC) President Sam Williams, and UPS Chairman and CEO D. Scott Davis.
President Georgia W. Bush, former President Jimmy Carter, Governor Sonny Purdue, US Senator Johnny Isakson, Minister Li Haifeng from the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council in China, and other high-ranking officials from the US and China sent their congratulatory letters for this event and in celebration of the special occasion of the 30-year formalized diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Zhou was the keynote speaker at the dinner. He thanked NACA for its dedication and contribution to the positive development and exchanges in US-China relations. More importantly, he reflected upon the major milestones accomplished in the past 30 years between the two countries. He made special mentions of the pivotal historic roles played by the former President Jimmy Carter, whom he noted is from Georgia, former President Richard Nixon, former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger, and former Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping. In addition, Ambassador Zhou shared his view on the future of the relations between the two countries. He pointed out that US and China are two major countries in the world who play critical roles in the global economic development. Therefore, it’s important that the two countries continue to engage in productive and constructive dialogues and exchanges in politics, culture, economy, and trade, so that the relations can reach new height. It is also important for the two countries to recognize the differences in the system and culture so that there are more mutual understanding and we can seek common ground while acknowledging differences. Ambassador Zhou’s insightful speech received the standing ovation when he finished.
In addition to Ambassador Zhou’s keynote speech, UPS Chairman and CEO D. Scott Davis made brief remarks on behalf of the host committee of the event. Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders made remarks on behalf of the city and Mayor Shirley Franklin. And State Senator Judson Hill, MACOC President Sam Williams made brief remarks on behalf of the two co-hosts of the event: Georgia Department of Economic Development and MACOC, respectively. All of the speakers praise the role that NACA play in enhancing US-China relations and speak to the importance of maintaining a strong and stable relation between US and China. All expressed and echoed one another’s sincere desire to have a Chinese Consulate established in Atlanta.
Towards the end of the program, State Representative Charlice Byrd presented two special Resolutions passed by the Georgia House of Representatives: one to Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, and the other to NACA Chair Lani Wong. Both Resolutions recognized the significant roles that Ambassador Zhou and Ms. Wong play in enhancing US-China relations, as well as the contributions made by the greater Chinese-American community in promoting better cultural understanding between US and China.
The entertainment of the evening was provided by the Atlanta Professional Dance Academy, Vega Quartet, and the Atlanta Chinese Contemporary Academy children’s choir.
In addition to the presence of the major local media, CCTV USA served as the media partner of the event.
