Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong Xiaojun (C) speaks during a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 26, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Xinran)
BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese diplomatic missions in Bulgaria, the United States and South Africa on Wednesday and Thursday hosted receptions to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
In Sofia, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong Xiaojun recalled that Bulgaria was the second country in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the PRC.
Currently, relations between China and Bulgaria are at the highest level in history, the ambassador said at a reception on Thursday evening.
Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Lotova and Deputy Prime Minister Mariana Nikolova called for deepening ties with China in all areas while addressing the reception.
"During these 70 years, Bulgaria and China have built relationships on the basis of mutual trust and respect. I am sure that will continue to be so in the future," Lotova said.
Despite close contacts between the two countries in all areas, there is still a lot of untapped potentials, she said.
"On behalf of the presidential institution, I wish the Chinese people peace and prosperity, good luck and joy. Bulgarian citizens are your good friends," she added.
In Los Angeles on Wednesday, U.S. government officials, prominent industry leaders and other guests joined a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and China.
Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Zhang Ping warmly welcomed the special guests.
Many American officials took to the podium to express well-wishes, appreciation and gratitude.
"Regardless of what's going on on the federal level with trade tariffs, we are neighbors," Josie Gonzales, district supervisor for San Bernardino County, told Xinhua.
"In today's day and age, when it comes to building our economy, generating new jobs, and achieving the technological advancements we need to make as the human race, we must forge good, productive relationships with China," Gonzales said.
Nina Hachigian, Los Angeles's Deputy Mayor for International Affairs wished China a happy birthday on behalf of Mayor Eric Garcetti.
She expressed the Mayor's office's appreciation for China's commerce, culture, students, and great food, and acknowledged that "China's contribution has helped make LA the great global city that it is."
Mayor Pro Tem Samuel Kang of Southern California's city of Duarte, expressed his excitement about the great opportunities that China and the United States have to progress together.
"Today we are celebrating the 70th birthday of the PRC and China's 5,000 years of history and tradition. I believe in bilateral relationships we need to work together to create more mutual prosperity between the U.S. and China. It's so important!" the mayor said.
California State Assemblyman Ed Chau said: "We have a long history of tourism, cultural exchanges and trade with China. Lately that relationship has been tested, but we all want the trade war to end."
California State Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo added her heartfelt appreciation. "This is truly a monumental occasion and I am honored to be here tonight to celebrate the very strong ties between California and China. We have long history together and share the important traits in common of entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise."
Taline Cole, chair of the Sister City Commission between Anaheim, California and Pudong, China, attended the celebration.
"Our Sister City relationship is fairly new, so we are looking forward to forging strong ties and trade between Anaheim and Pudong and its people," she told Xinhua. "Trade is a two-way street and both the U.S. and China benefit from strong trade relations."
The festive evening concluded with a show by the Zhonghua Chinese Orchestra, featuring exquisite performances by artists who performed traditional Chinese opera and classical favorites such as "The Butterfly Lovers" and "Me and My Motherland."
In Johannesburg, South Africa's Sports and Arts and Culture Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) in Gauteng Mbali Hlophe applauded China's development at a reception.
"I would also like to congratulate the People's Republic of China specifically on the achievement of over 800 million people being taken out of poverty. Last year also marked 40 years since the reform and opening up policy, which was another critical milestone for the People's Republic of China," she said.
African National Congress Free State Chairperson Sam Mashinini said there was much that could be learnt from China's development.
"We continue to learn lessons from China and we use those lessons in the development of the Free State."
He said that about 200 Free State students were studying at China's universities.
"It is our goal to ensure that these students shall use the skills acquired in China to contribute positively to our country's development," he added.
