Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Meridian Celebrate the Year of the Pig and the 40th Anniversary of China-US Relations

On February 6, 2019, Meridian International Center co-hosted the 9th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Over 500 guests from Washington’s government, diplomatic, policy, business, and cultural communities came together to honor the Year of the Pig and the 40th Anniversary of US-China Diplomatic relations. 

The evening began with remarks from Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai who detailed the importance of diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between the two nations. He went on to describe how China and the United States are more connected today than ever before. Meridian President and CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday echoed these sentiments and discussed the importance of cultural events like Chinese New Year that continue bridging divides. 

After the remarks, guests enjoyed a wide array of performances showcasing art from the Guandong Province, artist demonstrations, and popular Chinese cuisine like dumplings and fish. Performances included an ensemble for traditional fan dancing, acrobats, painting, magic, instrumental performances featuring the Dizi (bamboo flute), the Erhu (Chinese violin) and the four-stringed Pipa, as well as a photographic exhibition showcasing milestones and events during the last 40 years of normalized relations.

Notable guests in attendance included Secretary Wilbur Ross and Hilary Ross, OPIC President and CEO Ray Washburne, Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary Barbara Hackman Franklin, Stephanie Grisham, Governor James and Janet Blanchard, Howard Fineman and Amy Nathan, Steve Clemons, DC Councilman Jack Evans, Kate Bennett Glassman, Jay Newton Small, Jon Decker, NSC Senior Director Matt Pottinger, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Patrick Murphy, Sean Cahill, Dr. Lawrence Jones of Edison Electric Institute, Michaela Chen and Carr Slayton of Boston Scientific, Sahra English and Brett DeWitt of MasterCard, Jay Taylor of PhRMA, Mei Xu, Chair of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy, Kate Beale and Doug Maguire, Lyndon Boozer, Steve Quamme, Mimi Burke, Chris Whittle, among others.

In partnership with China Daily, China’s largest English-language daily newspaper, the Chinese Embassy unveiled its new collaboration project, “My China Album,” a photo contest where applicants submit an image showcasing their favorite memory or experience from China with the opportunity to win two round-trip tickets from New York to Beijing. 

In an op-ed addressing shared values in today’s China-US relations, Ambassador Holliday and co-author Hongxia Liu, a former Meridian Trustee, stated that, “Culture reminds us we have more in common than we do different while also providing a window into one another’s worlds to increase understanding and dispel stereotypes.” Meridian International Center is proud to co-host events like the Chinese New Year Celebration, which foster goodwill between nations by leveraging culture to engage people of different backgrounds in a shared cultural exchange.

Artists perform a traditional Chinese fan dance to celebrate the Year of the Pig. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

A dancer holds a pose while performing a traditional Chinese fan dance. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

A magician impresses the crowd with an act inspired by a traditional Chinese fan. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Performers welcome the new year with Chinese-inspired acrobatics. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Secretary Wilbur Ross claps along with Ambassador Cui Tiankai. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Artists perform with traditional Chinese instruments including the Dizi (bamboo flute), the Erhu (Chinese violin) and the four-stringed Pipa. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Meridian International Center Carlos M. Gutierrez, Ambassador Cui Tiankai, Meridian President and CEO Stuart Holliday, DCM and Minister for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Li Kexin, and Meridian Executive Vice President and COO Lee Satterfield. Artists perform a traditional Chinese fan dance to celebrate the Year of the Pig. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Meridian Executive Vice President and COO Lee Satterfield, Chair of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy Mei Xu, and Meridian President and CEO Ambassador Stuart Holiday. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai welcomes the over 500 guests to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.

Meridian CEO and President Ambassador Stuart Holliday welcomes the crowd and emphasizes the importance of cultural events like Chinese New Year. Photo by Stephen Bobb Photography.