HOUSTON, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A reception was held Thursday night in Houston by the Chinese Consulate General to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Delivering a speech at the reception, Chinese Consul General in Houston Cai Wei said in the past 70 years, China has completed industrialization in the shortest time which took developed countries several centuries.
"China has been fostering a favorable environment for its own development by defending world peace, which is in turn enhanced by a more developed China. China will continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and uphold international order," he said,
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Cai told Xinhua that Sino-U.S. relationship is important not only to the two peoples, but to the whole world.
"There have been some ups and downs in China-U.S. relationship recently. But I believe if the two parties stick to the principles of mutual respect and win-win collaboration, we can definitely push the relationship forward," said Cai.
At the reception, governors of Texas and Georgia both sent their representatives to extend warm congratulations. Famous NBA team Houston Rockets also presented a Jersey to Cai.
A photo exhibition was also held at the reception. Dozens of photos told the stories of China's development and the two countries' friendship in the past decades.
At the end of the reception, Cai, together with several distinguished guests, cut the birthday cake for China.