Distinguished Guests,  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you to our reception celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Let me extend a warm welcome to you all and express my heartfelt thanks to friends from all walks of life who have long supported China-U.S. relations.

This has been a big year for China-U.S. relations. Our two presidents met in Beijing in May and again in Washington this September. With President Xi Jinping making his first state visit to the United States in 11 years, the two presidents exchanged visits in just six months, marking a historic milestone and setting a new course for China-U.S. relations.

This was a visit that has set the course for China-U.S. relations. Head-of-state diplomacy anchors the bilateral relationship. Having witnessed many interactions between President Xi and President Trump, I have come to regard their mutual respect and sincerity as the most valuable strategic asset in our relationship. Their personal connection and in-depth dialogue have helped keep China-U.S. relations on course at critical moments.

In Beijing, the two presidents agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. In Washington, they gave that vision greater substance through the principles of “respect, fairness and reciprocity.” Under their leadership, our relationship continues to improve and move steadily forward, meeting the hopes of people in both countries and around the world.

Our two countries must step up to turn this vision into action—toward a relationship where cooperation is the mainstay, competition is kept within proper limits, differences are managed, and peace can be expected. Together, we must overcome the Thucydides Trap and find the right way for China and the United States to get along.

This was a visit that has expanded the scope of cooperation. Our countries’ interests are deeply intertwined, and there is much more we can achieve together. China’s national rejuvenation and the goal of making America great again can reinforce each other.

The visit yielded eight deliverables and understandings. Our economic and trade teams reached new, mutually beneficial arrangements. These include establishing and advancing the Board of Trade, the Board of Investment and other mechanisms, setting up an agricultural working group, and extending the outcomes of consultations in Kuala Lumpur. They also include an arrangement for a US$30 billion reciprocal tariff reduction, as well as arrangements on coal trade and financial services.

This is good news for businesses and families in both countries, and for the global economy. Our law enforcement agencies are joining forces against drug trafficking, fraud, and other crimes to protect lives and property in both countries. Cooperation is a two-way street, and the work never stops. We should expand cooperation, resolve outstanding issues, and pursue major initiatives that deliver practical benefits to both countries and beyond.

This was a visit that has renewed the bonds of people-to-people friendship. The two presidents recalled some of the defining moments in our shared history. During the Second World War, Chinese and American soldiers and civilians stood shoulder to shoulder, trusting one another with their lives. Together, they defended peace and justice, forging a friendship that has endured across generations.

American teacher Ronald Sakolsky supported Chinese farmer Yin Yuzhen in her efforts to turn desert into forest. Through goodwill and perseverance, they made the seemingly impossible possible. Mr. Sakolsky is with us tonight. Please join me in giving him a warm round of applause!

China’s five-year initiative to welcome 50,000 young Americans has already met its target ahead of schedule. President Xi has now invited 100,000 young Americans over the next five years for study and exchanges, bringing even more young people together to carry our friendship forward. Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have arrived in the U.S. We now have six panda ambassadors here, bringing even more warmth and joy to the American people.

Let us keep expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges between our countries. Let the Pacific bring us closer, and let our friendship flourish for generations to come.

This was a visit that has underscored our shared responsibility to the world. As President Xi has pointed out, China-U.S. cooperation cannot solve every problem in the world, but many would be difficult to solve without it.

The two presidents held in-depth discussions on major international and regional issues of common concern. They reaffirmed their support for each other in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit, giving fresh momentum to Asia-Pacific cooperation and global governance.

Both sides also agreed to make full use of the China-U.S. AI Dialogue, establish a bilateral communication channel for AI incidents, and work together to prevent AI misuse and abuse. These are practical steps to address shared international concerns. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, our two countries share a responsibility to uphold the postwar international order, prevent a resurgence of militarism, and advance global peace and development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. As the country makes steady strides toward national rejuvenation, it will bring more stability and positive momentum to the world.

A China committed to sustained opening-up contributes to global growth. China’s economy grew by 4.7 percent in the first half of 2026 and consistently contributes around 30 percent of global growth, making it the world’s leading growth engine. China offers a vast market, fresh opportunities and a firm commitment to openness. The Pinglu Canal links inland waterways to the sea, while our zero-tariff policy for Africa has been widely welcomed. Companies worldwide are coming to China to grow, compete, and seize the next wave of opportunities — “China Opportunity 2.0.”

A green and innovative China is opening new frontiers in science and technology. The Tau Scaling Law gives a new approach to improving chip performance. The Kimi K3 AI model was recently launched. China has successfully recovered its rocket boosters on land and at sea for reuse, and built the world’s largest clean-power supply system.

Alongside established strengths in electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels, a new wave of innovation is emerging in robotics, AI and new medicines. These advances are driving technological progress and the green transition, with benefits reaching well beyond our borders.

A vibrant and welcoming China is enriching the world’s cultural landscape. International tourists made over 22 million visits to China in the first half of this year. From the arts and technology to the bustle of everyday life, visitors are finding plenty to enjoy—and to share. “China Cool” and “China Haul” have taken off online.

China now offers visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries and up to 240 hours of visa-free transit for travelers from 57 countries, including the United States. My friends, come and experience China in all its vitality and diversity!

A responsible China is working to build a community with a shared future for humanity. With the wider world in mind, we are advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with three-quarters of the world’s countries and advancing our four global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance. We are also supporting new platforms, including the International Organization for Mediation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, to help countries tackle shared challenges and make global governance more just and equitable.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As China grows, so do opportunities for the world. When China and the United States work together, the world stands to benefit. Since taking up my post here more than three years ago, I have seen this relationship improve year by year and American views of China grow warmer. This gives me confidence in the future we can build together.

Our two presidents may meet twice more before year-end—in Shenzhen and Miami—giving our relationship fresh momentum. Under their leadership, let us work together to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity. Let us write a brighter chapter for both our countries and the world.

Now, please join me in a toast:

To the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China;

To friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American peoples; and

To good health and happiness of you and your families.

Cheers!