Congratulations on the opening of Metropolis Now! A Selection of Chinese Contemporary Art, a joint production of the Chinese Embassy, Meridian International Center, and the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). It is the very first of its kind in Washington, DC and one of a series of events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

I wish to thank the curators of Meridian International Center and NAMOC for their efforts without which this exhibition would not be possible. I also want to express appreciation to the U.S. Department of State for its kind support.

Cultural exchanges play an important role in the China-U.S. relationship. Despite all the convenience of the e-age, people still need to appreciate arts in the traditional way. In early February, we welcomed the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra to the Kennedy Center, and soon, the Terracotta Warriors will come to the National Geographic Museum. Metropolis Now! is about the transformations, confusion, expectations, and changes in life that are part of the process of China’s urbanization. It is my hope that these cultural events will enhance the understanding of China and lead to a stronger friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.

It takes volumes of books to record the epic journey and the remarkable achievements of China-U.S. relations in the past 30 years. As we look back, we have reason and confidence to expect greater progress in the coming years. There is no doubt that a strong, stable and cooperative China-U.S. relationship will benefit more people in a broader manner and on a greater scale.

Sincerely
Zhou Wenzhong
Ambassador