Chinese embassy in US rings in Spring Festival

On the evening of Jan 30, the Chinese embassy in the United States held an online reception for the 2022 Chinese New Year of the Tiger, titled "A Vigorous Year of the Tiger, A Joyful Rendezvous for Winter Olympics".

Ambassador Qin Gang delivered a speech at the reception and former US president Jimmy Carter sent a congratulatory letter. Carter extended hopes "the bilateral relationship between the US and China returns to peaceful and constructive engagement" in his letter.

Qin said the tiger symbolizes bravery, wisdom and strength in Chinese culture. He called for people to "work for the sound and stable growth of China-US relations".

"Let's not forget the Flying Tigers and many other touching stories in China-US relations, and do our best to further our friendship in the new era," the ambassador said.

He also extended his hope athletes from China, the US, and all other countries will enjoy the coming Beijing Winter Olympics and "feel its TIGER feature, which means Tense, Inclusive, Green, Extraordinary and Refreshing".

Carter and Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, recalled Deng Xiaoping's historic visit to the US in the congratulatory letter. The then-vice premier visited the White House during Chinese New Year 43 years ago.

Carter said Deng's meetings with American officials and citizens laid a strong foundation for the new relationship to flourish in the coming decades.

"We wish the Chinese people a happy and prosperous Year of the Tiger and hope the bilateral relationship between the US and China returns to peaceful and constructive engagement," Carter wrote.

Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations, Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council and Le Taowen, chairman of the Board for the Utah Chinese Civic Center Professor, attended the reception and delivered congratulatory remarks.

Orlins said the tiger is king of the animals and represents good health, vitality, and strength; adding "we need these characteristics to improve the health of the peoples of the world and US-China relations".

Allen said the tiger, known for not only competitiveness but also courage and ambition, is the perfect analogy for the US-China commercial relationship in 2022.

Le said he continues to make efforts to promote friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen friendship between the two peoples.

Many performances are being held in Washington to celebrate the Year of Tiger, including a Chinese lantern exhibition and Spring Festival Cultural Week, Panda Reunion and "Winter Olympic Imagination — Joy on Ice and Snow".

From Jan 26 to 29, the embassy's YouTube and Facebook channels showed a number of programs to heighten anticipation for both the Spring Festival and the Beijing Winter Olympics.