On September 9, 2026, the Chinese Consulate General in New York hosted “Savor the Essence of China” Chinese Culture Open Day, bringing together nearly 200 guests to experience Chinese culture and exchange views on the Global Civilization Initiative. Consul General Chen Li attended and delivered remarks.

Consul General Chen Li noted that Chinese value “harmony without uniformity”. Guided by this philosophy, China has put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which, together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, form part of China’s effort to contribute ideas and solutions to making the world a better place. The same wisdom applies to China-U.S. relations. As two major countries with global influence, China and the U.S. can deepen mutual understanding, manage differences through dialogue, expand cooperation where our interests align, and pursue a relationship in which both countries can succeed and prosper. While the head-of-state diplomacy provides strategic guidance for bilateral relations, the foundation of the relations lies in the people. We should cherish the mutual appreciation between our two peoples, increase exchanges, bridge distances through better understanding and strengthen the public foundation of China-U.S. relations.

Guests enjoyed classic Chinese bamboo flute music and traditional folk dances, while creative fusion dishes such as “Peking duck burgers” offered a flavorful taste of how Chinese and American cultures can inspire and enrich one another.