Remarks by Consul General Chen Li at the Neighberhood Open House

陈立总领事在邻里开放日上的致辞

Dear neighbors, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

亲爱的邻居朋友们，女士们、先生们：

Good evening!

大家晚上好！

Many of the friendly faces here tonight are people I pass by every day on my way to and from work. This is what Chinese call Yuanfen, or a destined connection. I'm glad we're gathered here today, have a little chat, and from now on, call each other friends.

我相信你们当中有很多面孔，是我每天上下班路上擦肩而过的友好邻居，中国人把这叫做缘分。今天我们齐聚一堂，希望借此机会和大家正式认识、唠唠家常，以后再见面我们就是朋友了。

There's an old Chinese saying: “Distant relatives are not as helpful as nearby neighbors.”. In our culture, a harmonious neighborhood is not only a source of personal happiness but the foundation for a stable society.

中国古话说“远亲不如近邻”。在中国传统文化中，邻里和睦不仅是家庭幸福的保障，更是社会稳定的基石。

When I first arrived here and saw that our neighborhood is called “Hell's Kitchen”, I was a bit startled—I thought it meant the food here was terrible! But I quickly learned that Hell's Kitchen has long since transformed into a lively, diverse, and thriving neighborhood, thanks to the incredible people who live and work here.

我们所处的曼哈顿西中城也被称作“地狱厨房”（Hell's Kitchen）。初来乍到，看到这个名字我吓了一跳，还以为这里的餐厅都很不可口。现在我知道，这里早就在社区居民共同努力下华丽转身，成为新潮、繁荣、多元的代名词。

No neighborhood can feel safe, welcoming, or supportive without the everyday guardians who look after it. Tonight, we're honored to welcome friends from Midtown's schools, and local service agencies. You bring trust, warmth, and strength to our neighborhoods. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate, please accept our deepest respect and heartfelt thanks.

一个城市的安全、温暖与和谐，离不开社区中的每一位守望者。今晚我们有幸邀请到来自曼哈顿中城学校、社区服务机构等周边邻里的朋友。你们为社区注入了信任、温暖与力量。请允许我代表中国驻纽约总领馆，向你们致以崇高的敬意和衷心的感谢！

Located in the heart of Manhattan, our Consulate is more than a window into China. It serves as a bridge: connecting China and the U.S., serving the public, and being a trusted member of our community. We hope to share China's stories, offer support where we can, and build sincere, lasting friendships with you all.

中国驻纽约总领馆位于曼哈顿的心脏地带，不仅是一扇中国对外开放的窗口，也致力于成为一座沟通中美、服务大众、融入社区的桥梁。我们珍视与周边社区的联系，希望通过举办各类文化活动，为大家介绍中国和中国文化，向大家提供力所能及的帮助，与大家建立深厚的情感纽带。

When you think of China, what comes to mind? Kung Fu, Peking Opera, or pandas? High-speed trains, the Great Wall, or the Forbidden City? Maybe the Monkey King or Labubu? More and more Americans are embracing Chinese culture. “China Travel” “China Shopping” and “China Study” are becoming trending topics. Here's some good news: U.S. passport holders transiting from the China’s mainland to a third region can now enjoy visa-free visits for 10 days in China. You're welcome to take a trip to China, or send your kids for a study exchange and see today's China firsthand.

提到中国你会想起什么？是功夫、京剧、熊猫，还是高铁、长城、故宫，亦或是悟空、拉布布？越来越多美国朋友喜欢上了中国文化，中国游、中国购、中国学频频登上热搜。好消息是，现在美国朋友拿着护照在中国转机，就可以享受在华免签玩10天。欢迎大家来趟“说走就走”的中国行，欢迎你们的孩子赴华访学交流，亲眼见证精彩纷呈的大美中国！

China-U.S. relations experience ups and downs, and we are now in a critical moment. But let's not forget: 80 years ago, our two nations stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against fascism. The Flying Tigers, the Doolittle Raid, the Hump route—these stories remind us of a time when our peoples trusted and helped each other in pursuit of peace and justice. When China-U.S. relations are strong, both peoples enjoy their lives, and the world enjoys greater stability. This isn't just a shared hope—it's a responsibility we both carry as major nations.

中美关系起起伏伏，当前正处于关键历史节点。我们永远不要忘记，80年前中美两国并肩作战，人民守望相助，赢得了世界反法西斯战争的伟大胜利，书写了飞虎队、杜立特行动、驼峰航线等一段段历史佳话。中美关系好，两国百姓安心，世界共享太平。这不只是大家的共同期待，也是两个大国应有的责任。

The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in our peoples. Its strength comes from local communities. We may speak different languages or come from different cultures, but we all share a desire for friendship and a better life. It's in everyday interactions — a wave on the street, a genuine “hello”, or a cultural celebration like tonight — that we build real understanding. I believe kindness and connection will continue to bring warmth and hope to the China-U.S. relationship.

中美关系基础在民间，希望在人民，未来在青年，活力在地方。我们语言不同，文化各有特色，但大家都愿意结交朋友、向往美好生活。正是日常的相处、邻里的微笑，一次真诚的问候、一场文化的交流，拉近我们之间的距离。我相信，人与人之间的理解与善意，将不断为中美关系注入温情与希望。

Thank you all for joining us tonight. I hope you enjoy a lovely evening here at our Consulate!

 谢谢大家！

来源：中国驻纽约总领事馆