Photo：Chinese Embassy in the US

Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Qin Gang delivered a speech via video on Saturday at the UCCGW Spring Festival Gala, a Chinese New Year celebration hosted by overseas Chinese communities in Maryland.

He encourages overseas Chinese to unite against the COVID pandemic and anti-Asian discrimination.

“Currently, China and U.S. relations are at an important time. As two major powers in the world, China and the United States can get along with each other through mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. We are willing to make unremitting efforts to promote the stable development of China-U.S. relations, and hope to receive the joint support of the overseas Chinese in the United States and all sectors of the American society,” Qin said via video.

“In a few days, the Beijing Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics will begin. I look forward to the wonderful performances of the athletes from China and the United States, and especially wish the Chinese athletes great achievements,” Qin also added.

Maryland’s First Lady, Yumi Hogan, U.S. Congresswoman, Zhao Meixin and Maryland Secretary of State John Woburn Smith attended the event or delivered video congratulations.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese and those of Chinese descent. This year is the year of tiger, and the festival starts on February 1.