Bureaus Exclusive

US Consulate General celebrates ahead of anniversary

By Huang Zhiling and Kuang Peijing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-06-30 23:01

The US Consulate General in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China’s Sichuan province, hosted a reception in celebration of the 235th Independent Day of the United States on Thurday evening.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues at the US Consulate General, Acting Consul General Roy Perrin took the opportunity to thank the foreign offices in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan province, Chongqing municipality, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and the Tibetan autonomous region for their efforts in assisting them.

He also extended that gratitude to their many other friends at all levels in the provincial government, private sector, and civil society throughout Southwest China.

US President Obama has said that there is no bilateral relationship in the world more important than the US-China relationship, and President Obama and President Hu have committed to create a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship that benefits all our citizens, said the acting consul general.

This year, more than 150 American volunteers are dedicating a year or two of their lives to improve the relationship between our two countries. They teach so much about English language and American culture during their time here. They also share what they have discovered about Chinese culture, language and people with their friends, families, colleagues, students and communities in the United States for the rest of lives.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the US Peace Corps. In 1961, President Kennedy in his inaugural address urged Americans to “Ask not what (their) country can do for (them) – (but) ask what (they) can do for (their) country.” That same year he established the Peace Coprs with the goal of building freindship and understanding with other countries. Since then, more than 200,000 Americans have responded to his call and have served in 139 countries. In bringing the American tradition of volunteerism to Southwest China, US-China Friendship Volunteers have transformed President Kennedy’s call. They show us that we should ask not what the world can do for us – but what we can do for the world, the acting consul general said.