Dear neighbors, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!

Many  of the friendly faces here tonight are people I pass by every day on my  way to and from work. This is what Chinese call Yuanfen, or a destined  connection. I'm glad we're gathered here today, have a little chat, and  from now on, call each other friends.
There's  an old Chinese saying: “Distant relatives are not as helpful as nearby  neighbors.”. In our culture, a harmonious neighborhood is not only a  source of personal happiness but the foundation for a stable society. 
When  I first arrived here and saw that our neighborhood is called “Hell's  Kitchen”, I was a bit startled—I thought it meant the food here was  terrible! But I quickly learned that Hell's Kitchen has long since  transformed into a lively, diverse, and thriving neighborhood, thanks to  the incredible people who live and work here. 
No  neighborhood can feel safe, welcoming, or supportive without the  everyday guardians who look after it. Tonight, we're honored to welcome  friends from Midtown's schools, and local service agencies. You bring  trust, warmth, and strength to our neighborhoods. On behalf of the  Chinese Consulate, please accept our deepest respect and heartfelt  thanks.
Located  in the heart of Manhattan, our Consulate is more than a window into  China. It serves as a bridge: connecting China and the U.S., serving the  public, and being a trusted member of our community. We hope to share  China's stories, offer support where we can, and build sincere, lasting  friendships with you all.
When  you think of China, what comes to mind? Kung Fu, Peking Opera, or  pandas? High-speed trains, the Great Wall, or the Forbidden City? Maybe  the Monkey King or Labubu? More and more Americans are embracing Chinese  culture. “China Travel” “China Shopping” and “China Study” are becoming  trending topics. Here's some good news: U.S. passport holders  transiting from the China’s mainland to a third region can now enjoy  visa-free visits for 10 days in China. You're welcome to take a trip to  China, or send your kids for a study exchange and see today's China  firsthand.
China-U.S.  relations experience ups and downs, and we are now in a critical  moment. But let's not forget: 80 years ago, our two nations stood  shoulder to shoulder in the fight against fascism. The Flying Tigers,  the Doolittle Raid, the Hump route—these stories remind us of a time  when our peoples trusted and helped each other in pursuit of peace and  justice. When China-U.S. relations are strong, both peoples enjoy their  lives, and the world enjoys greater stability. This isn't just a shared  hope—it's a responsibility we both carry as major nations.
The  foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in our peoples. Its strength  comes from local communities. We may speak different languages or come  from different cultures, but we all share a desire for friendship and a  better life. It's in everyday interactions — a wave on the street, a  genuine “hello”, or a cultural celebration like tonight — that we build  real understanding. I believe kindness and connection will continue to  bring warmth and hope to the China-U.S. relationship.
Thank you all for joining us tonight. I hope you enjoy a lovely evening here at our Consulate!