Nation thanks foreign talent for contributions

Just days before the People's Republic of China celebrates its 65 birthday, the central government took time on Sunday night to show its gratitude to the many foreigners who have put their skills at the service of the country to help it achieve its goals.

At a gathering of 1,800 expat professionals and their families at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, extended "heartfelt thanks and cordial greetings to you and your families, and to all foreign experts and international friends who have cared for, supported and contributed to China's reform and development".

The banquet menu included kung pao turkey made with toned-down spices in an effort to appeal more to Westerners.