China Institute honors 5 for contributions to relations

In celebrating its 91st anniversary, the China Institute has honored five individuals with its annual Blue Cloud Award for their contributions to strengthening the bonds between the US and China and exemplifying the institute's spirit and values.

"They share the spirit and mission of China Institute to shape positive and strong US-China relations through education, culture and business," Chien Chung Pei, the chairman of China Institute, said on Thursday.

"This is very, very high honor for our governor; he'll treasure this, this is really a huge recognition," New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said after she accepted the award on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo at the event. "We have trade offices and tourism offices in China, and we have people on the ground to make sure there is a wide, opening doorway between our two countries and our cities as well."

"Because of the hard work of the governors, I think New York state has become really most favorable for Chinese investment and cooperation," said Zhang Qiyue, consul general of China in New York, who attended the event with more than 300 other guests, including leaders in culture, business and fashion. "Today the US and China relationship is the most important relationship to the world; it not only brings a lot of benefits to our own peoples but also has a very positive impact on the world."

"It's a great honor to work alongside all of you to advance this extremely important bilateral relationship in the world," said Ning Yuan, chairman and president of China Construction America, who also was honored.

Vera Wang, the prominent dress designer, who also was honored, said that "growing up in the US with my parents, who encouraged me to embrace American culture but never allowed me to forget my Chinese heritage, that delicate balance brings me such a unique view of the world and sincere appreciation for both cultures".

"Today, there is an even greater need for deeper thoughts and open communication (between China and the US), and China Institute has always been at the forefront of these ideas the significance must be stressed, not just for our generations, but those who follow our footsteps."

The other Blue Cloud Award recipients were Ronald O. Perelman, chairman and chief executive officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Inc, and Robert Hong Xiao, chief executive officer of Perfect World Co Ltd.

"What China Institute really stands for is an organization that builds trust between people in the US and people in China, and the only way to do that is to get a deeper insight and a deeper understanding of what's going on in China today. That's what we are trying to accomplish tonight," said James Heimowitz, president of the China Institute.

A Tibetan music ensemble called the Snow Lotus Trio, consisting of three sisters from Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, also wowed the audience with their beautiful voices and traditional costumes and dancing.

China Institute is a non-profit organization and the oldest US-China cultural institution in the US. It was founded in Manhattan in 1926.

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com