Story-sharing event marks Sino-US ties, friendship
My China Album, a story-sharing event focusing on the friendship between people from China and the United States, was launched at a reception hosted last week by the Chinese embassy in Washington. It was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations.
The event, co-organized by China Daily, encourages Americans to submit photos and stories highlighting their most memorable experiences in China, especially their encounters with Chinese people.
The exchange of visits between Chinese and US table tennis teams in 1971 and 1972 opened a new chapter in friendly relations between the two countries.
On Jan 1, 1979, the countries officially established diplomatic relations. Since then, people-to-people exchanges have helped cement a foundation and have played a key role in promoting understanding and mutual trust.
There are now more than 5 million visits between the countries every year. They are among the largest sources of foreign students for each other’s schools.
“Over these decades, there has been marvelous growth in peopleto-people contacts and ties between our two countries,” said Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the US. “As we now look forward to the coming decades, the friendship between our two peoples will continue to be the very foundation of relations between our two great countries.
“That’s why we invite you, invite all our friends all over the United States, to come and share with us your most memorable stories of China. Together we will build stronger ties between our peoples. And with your personal stories, you will help make history.”
Zhou Shuchun, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said, “People are the most interesting stories behind a sound bilateral relationship, and pictures are a strong testimony to such relations.
“At China Daily, especially with our newly launched Global Edition, we are committed to bridging the gap of understanding through powerful people stories. I believe when we see your photos and hear the stories that go with them, we will better understand the essence of China-US relations, which is really about people.”
Those attending the reception said they had China stories to share.
“I have too many,” said Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, who first went to China in 1988.
“My favorite memory of Shanghai was buying a little cricket from a traveling salesman during a hot Shanghai day,” he said.
“It was my friend,” said Allen, “but when I had to leave Shanghai, I spent quite a bit of time to find a new home for my cricket.”
He said he finally set the cricket free in a park.
“If any of my Chinese friends find my friend, the cricket, in Shanghai, please da ge zhao hu (say hi to him),” he added, showing off his Chinese skills.
Participants are invited to submit up to three photos with captions, limited to 300 words or less, explaining their person-to-person exchange, relationship or experience, exemplified through the photographs. Submissions should be made via email at mychinaalbum@chinadailyusa.com, or via mail at My China Album, 529 14th Street NW, Suite 1108, Washington, DC 20045.