Voices of the Years, Bonds of Friendship: USCPFA DC Metro Chapter Joins Poetry Recital Gala August 8, 2026
Rockville, MD - Members of the US-China Peoples Friendship Association, Washington DC Metro Area Chapter,
actively participated in the preparation and performance of the Listening to the Years,
Poetic Splendor poetry recital gala, held on August 8, 2026, at the Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland.
Members Katharine Huang and Jason Wang jointly recited Turning Dusk into Dawn, a modern poem by local Chinese-American poet Lei Junyi.
Through their heartfelt delivery, they vividly conveyed the poet's joyful embrace of a new chapter in life after retirement, with an optimistic outlook.
Katharine also performed alongside Mr. Yang Baoli in a recitation of Believe in the Future, a masterpiece by Shi Zhi, the pen name of a renowned contemporary Chinese poet.
Their performance paid tribute to the poet’s unyielding pursuit of truth and social justice during turbulent times, as well as his unwavering faith in a brighter tomorrow.
Their moving presentations drew warm applause from the audience.
Jason Wang, President of the Greater Washington Chapter, also took part in the four-act Chinese poetic drama Through Trials and Glory,
written and directed by Chinese-American playwright Chang Tiejun. In a special segment,
he delivered an English recitation of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address,
as a heartfelt tribute from the Greater Washington Chinese-American community to the United States on the occasion of its 250th anniversary,
honoring the nation’s great traditions of freedom and democracy. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
The gala was co-hosted by four major Chinese-American cultural organizations in the Greater Washington area: the Spring Blossom Performing Arts Group,
the Yellow River Arts Ensemble, the Yangtze River Choir, and the Washington Chinese Poetry Society.
Nearly 40 recitation enthusiasts presented a rich repertoire that included classical and modern Chinese poetry and prose,
as well as original works by Chinese-American writers, through various forms such as poetic chanting, musical recitations,
fi lm dubbing, and stage sketches. The performances refl ected on the passage of time, told stories of Chinese immigrants striving and thriving in America,
and highlighted their journey of integration into mainstream society. Through the arts,
the event enriched community cultural life and fostered mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.
Close to 300 people participated in the event, and multiple local media outlets covered this cultural celebration with featured reports and photographs.
Westlake Dialogue May 25, 2026
Hangzhou, China - What did the Trump-Xi meeting accomplish for U.S.-China relations?
The Carter Center hosted the West Lake Dialogue on U.S.-China Relations in Hangzhou, China on May 25 and 26 to discuss this question.
Experts on U.S.-China relations from both sides of the relationship gathered to discuss interpretations of the key phrase coming out of the summit,
'constructive, strategic stability', and how long such a stability could last.
Our delegation then traveled to Beijing to discuss the near-term future of the world's most important bilateral relationship with leading university
and business organizations. In all, they discovered remarkable optimism from their Chinese counterparts,
a requisite for maintaining engagement through what may still prove to be turbulent times.
Our deepest appreciation goes to all members of the delegation. @Carter Center
Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy March 28, 2026
West Springfield, VA - Are you curious about the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy?
Join us for an inspiring one-hour session designed to introduce you to the beauty of ink and brush.
No prior experience or tools required—all materials will be provided.
Whether you are looking for a new creative outlet or a moment of meditation in motion,
this workshop is the perfect place to start.
If interested, click on the following link to register:
Washington DC - In August 10th, 2025, Ralph Edwin Winnie, Jr., Esq. of the U.S.-China People’s Friendship Association met with Ambassador XIE
at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C. The conversation centered around continued efforts
at brokering personal and professional relationships between the United States and the People's Republic of China based on mutual collaboration,
friendship, respect and trust.
The necessity of collaboration and strong partnership becomes paramount when international trade and global development create the pathway for economic peace and
prosperity for the citizens of both the People's Republic of China and the United States.
As someone who focuses on breaking down cultural barriers, based on positive engagement with countries, through the intersection of sports diplomacy and peace building,
Mr. Winnie, Jr., Esq welcomed the opportunity to attend the reception and concert sponsored by the Washington International Piano Arts Council
which allowed him to gain meaningful insight and have interaction with Ambassador XIE and other Chinese diplomats. The goal was to reinforce shared goals and
objectives while recognizing the powerful role and influence that culture plays in developing partnErships to further the U.S.-China relationship.
Celebrating Friendship: USCPFA and Chinese Embassy Mark Historic Anniversaries July 24, 2025
Ms. Diana Greer, President of US-China Peoples Friendship Association and two DC Metro Chapter members Katharine Huang and Ralph Winnie were invited to
attend the reception at the Chinese Embassy of the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and
commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The event was hosted by H.E. Ambassador Xie Feng, Mrs. Wang Dan, and Defense Attache Major General Liu Zhan.
In his speech, not only did Ambassador Xie give special greetings to members of the PLA,
but he also made a point to pay tribute to the Flying Tigers veterans and their relatives, and how civilians, Chinese and Americans together,
against nearly impossible odds, built Stilwell Road. He discussed how China had become a great military and economic power on the world stage,
but that China was focused on peacemaking.
Ms. Greer and Katharine approached the Ambassador to personally thank him for hosting the successful Washington Seminar in 2024.
As we discussed USCPFA, Katharine informed Ambassador Xie that since Former President Nixon’s breakthrough visit to China in 1972,
the USCPFA was the driving force in the United States at the grassroots level for the normalization of diplomatic relations with China.
The early tour groups of Americans visiting China in the 70's were mostly through USCPFA.
Ambassador Xie listened attentively and said happily to Diana and Katharine,
"Thank you for the historical contribution! I wish the friendship between our two peoples will continue to grow."
Ms. Greer thanked him for emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and peace between our two countries.
A copy of Ambassador Xie Feng's speech is on the Chinese Embassy website.
Living History: Stories from the Opening of China June 13, 2024
SHANGHAI, CHINA - Under the witness of Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns and special guests, the new documentary series "Living History: Stories from the Opening of China" was officially launched.
This series narrates the stories of cooperation and development between China and the United States from 1979 to 2010.
With the support of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, the documentary team "Memos to the Future" interviewed several eyewitnesses of this critical period for the series "Living History." This era witnessed the establishment of new enterprises, the flourishing development of educational exchanges, and the rapid growth of China's economy,
which were all made possible by the joint efforts of many Chinese, Americans, and people from around the world.
"Living History" aims to reflect deeply on the diverse and open interactions between the United States and China, revealing a shared past.
Based on this foundation, it seeks to re-examine the relationship between the two countries in today's challenging times.
Dreams Shattered in the Red Mansions May 18, 2024
MCLEAN, VA — The Dreams Shattered in the Red Mansions performance by the Spring Blossom Performing Arts Group
at McLean High School showcased a captivating array of artistic forms,
from Yue Opera to Female Quartet, vividly bringing to life scenes from the renowned Chinese literary masterpiece, A Dream of Red Mansions.
This resounding success not only introduced the richness of Chinese culture to audiences in the United States but also deepened their understanding of Chinese traditions.
This performing art program is a part of the celebration for the Asian American Heritage Month in the Greater Washington DC area and it drew an audience of about 600 people from the DMV area.
The event is supported by the Fairfax County Public School Board and the McLean High School, and it has helped enrich the cultural life, and promoted collaborations among artists in the region.
Documentary on Doolittle Battle April 18, 2024
WASHINGTON DC — This is a special search that has stemmed from the world anti-fascist war, which covered both the United States and China.
This is a story of two-way efforts to reach out to each other in the aftermath of the warfare.
This is a significant historical excavation and playback. This is a vague but forever remembered emotional jigsaw puzzle...
The Embassy of China in the United States held a reception for the documentary "The Doolittle Raid Rescue in Shangrao" at the embassy on Thursday, April 18,
from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Our Vice President, Ralph Winne, recently shared his thoughts on the documentary.
"The documentary on the Doolittle Raid was absolutely phenomenal.
The compassion, courage, kindness and strength of the Chinese people was on full display as they actively assisted in the rescue of their American allies
from being captured by the Japanese.
The Chinese government must continue to share this story with their American friends and partners especially members of Congress
and the DC Think Tank community.
My only disappointment was that there were not more Americans in attendance and the lack of attractive American and Chinese women
to whet my appetite for intellectual discourse on the future of US-China relations." – Ralph Winne
Flying Tigers Veterans Welcomed as Heroes in China November 4, 2023
BEIJING — Eight decades after he first came to China, as a U.S. fighter pilot defending against Japanese forces, Harry Moyer is back in the country on a very different mission.
Moyer, 103, whose visit comes as U.S.-China relations are at their lowest point in decades, told NBC News he wanted to share a “message of cooperation and friendship between two great countries.”
Harry Moyer, right, and Mel McMullen during a ceremony in honor of Flying Tigers held at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing in 2023. Andy Wong / AP
Biden faces balancing act at G20 in warding off China September 21, 2023
Ralph Winnie, vice president of the Global Development & China Program with the Eurasia Center, said Biden may have an opportunity to galvanize member countries without explicitly selling the reforms as being anti-China.
“I think it’s important to create choices and opportunities for all people and have a banking structure that is going to be very effective in creating jobs and economic opportunities,” he said. “That’s what people have to believe in and what they have to see. It’s not simply just having a system to counter the Chinese.”
In the first such visit since the pandemic; the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA) led a bipartisan delegation of six U.S. mayors representing communities along the Mississippi River Basin to visit their counterparts in the People’s Republic of China.
Click the link above to watch a short video documenting this historic trip, and gain insights directly from our mayoral delegates regarding their experiences during the trip, as well as hear their thoughts about the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the U.S.-China relationship.
Camel Hump Route China and the United States, with a tradition of cooperation, can set an example for the world.
The "Camel Hump" airlift was a joint airborne endeavor by China and the United States to defeat a common enemy — Japanese imperialism. It crossed the treacherous Himalayan mountain range, bridging a transportation route between Assam in India and Yunnan and Sichuan in China, and at the same time, it built a bridge of friendship.
During the turbulent years of World War II, the U.S. Air Force participated in the war in China, and the Chinese and American pilots flying over the "Camel Hump" risked their lives to maintain China's aerial "lifeline." They built a bond of friendship with sincerity, with blood and flesh, and with life. "China and the United States have never been so closely connected and fought side by side in any war as in this war." The military and civilians of both countries forged a profound and enduring friendship.
In 2002, the Information Office of the State Council of China held an exhibition in the United States titled "Memories of History - Flying Tigers and the Hump," commemorating the enduring combat friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. In July 2004, the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial Government and the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation jointly organized the "China-US World War II Friendship International Academic Symposium," once again commemorating the combat friendship forged between China and the United States during World War II.
Pilot Robert Moore of the Hump Route
Ceremony to Honor the Return of WWII U.S. Airman Remains (Credit: PR Newswire Photo)
(Excerpted & translated from https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7KyZ4D-857Zx9wopXqybfg)
Chapter Members Featured in US-China Review
Angel Gaston, a junior from Washington Metropolitan High School
"I AM"
I am Angel Destiny Gaston.
I am the youngest of five.
I am so glad to be here and alive.
I am one of a kind you see there is not many like me.
I am full of lots of possibilities.
I want to cross the Seven Seas.
I am going to see all that I can see.
I am on a quest to do my best.
I am not going to settle for nothing less.
I am the best that I can be the scholar thrives through me.
Soon they all will see that God's light shines through me.
Anything is possible when it comes to me because this journey is part of my Destiny.
Angel in China
It was always a dream of mine as a child to travel the world. So when the opportunity of going to China appeared last summer how foolish I would have been to pass on such a wonderful experience. At first I was apprehensive about the situation for the simple fact that it sounded too good to be true. It was one of those opportunities where I've experienced someone else getting the chance to do but me. There were many thoughts running through my mind like a marathon. Going half way across the world with people I do not know on a personal level. As you can see I conquered all of those doubts and fears for I have been there and done that. My assumptions and reality about China were two different things. I was under the impression that everything was uniform. For example, I thought the influence of communism was so apparent that we were going to witness people following very strict rules. Of course it was not like that at all; matter of a fact, just from the outside looking in China appeared to be a very relaxed and normal country. The rules that I learned that the Chinese followed made the most sense. For instance, they drive on certain days because of the high number of cars. I felt this was just one of the sacrifices the Chinese have to make because of the dense population. Seeing China on TV and experiencing China in real life are two dramatically different things. Americans should never settle for just watching TV and letting time pass them by. That is an important thing I realized in China. There were so many people out being active, having fun and, just living their everyday lives. I realized I have been wasting a lot of my time doing nothing. In China, I completed the most activities in that short amount of time and I had a blast doing it. I visited many different places and saw many different faces; it was almost unreal. I used all the energy I had; it felt like I was busy every second of the day. Compared to being home, I waste my days away and when I could be experiencing so many more things if I don't allow barriers to discourage me. I believe that was the most important lesson I learned. Why settle for looking at someone else's vacation pictures and how much fun they had? Or watch shows about different countries on the TV? When you can actually go out there and experience things for yourself instead of always living other peoples' experiences. I will never be content with seeing pictures and learning out of books. I want to see things with my own two eyes, and I want to walk the land and breathe the air of all the places I am destined to go. H Street really sparked an interest in my life very early because they gave me the tool I needed to embark on this new country and now I am able to say that when I was 16 I went to China. How many African American teenagers can say that? Not many. If it wasn't for this opportunity I probably never would have gone to China. It would have always been a distant dream in the back of my mind, yes, but to actually go is a whole different story. Words can't describe how grateful I am, pictures can't describe how much fun I had. Saying the words, "Thank you," can't describe how thankful I truly am. At least I can express how I feel through this essay. Learning and using Mandarin were the easiest things to do. Getting the required travel documents was an easy task, too. Being in China was the most satisfying thing I have ever done. Leaving China was the hardest thing I had to do. Even though I have the boarding passes to prove that I've been to China and I got pictures of myself in China, it still hasn't sunk in yet. Everything was so beautiful and surreal that it was almost as if I was never there at all. Nothing or no one will ever be able to take away these spectacular memories from the corridors of my mind. Will I ever come to terms with the reality of me going to China? Yes, one day. From learning about the Great Wall in World History class to actually climbing the Great Wall of China is a tremendous thing to accomplish. I went from riding my bike around the block in my neighborhood to riding a bike 8 miles across the wall of Xi'an. I traveled from Washington D.C., the capital of the United States of America, to Beijing, the capitol of China. I went from watching a documentary about Shanghai to actually walking the streets of Shanghai. Finally, I went from looking at pictures of Hong Kong to actually being in those pictures in Hong Kong. All of this has been nothing but a mere dream come true. I am the first one in my family to go the furthest in the world and that is an accomplishment that I will wear on my sleeve for the rest of my life.
Angel in China
