Ambassador Xie Feng Highlights Cultural Diplomacy at DC Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with the Taiwan Strait community in Washington, D.C., fostering cultural ties across borders.
On May 30, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng and his wife, Wang Dan, joined members of the Chinese community from both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the Washington, D.C. area for a vibrant celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival. The event served as a meaningful occasion for sharing festive traditions and reinforcing cultural ties. Minister Counselor Qiu Wenxing was also among those in attendance, emphasizing the significance of unity and cooperation within the community.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Xie conveyed sentiments echoed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that “people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family.” He firmly reiterated, “No force can sever the bonds of blood and kinship that unite us, nor can anyone obstruct the historical trend toward China’s reunification.” The ambassador underscored the connections of shared ancestry, culture, and history, and stressed that compatriots across the Strait bear a collective responsibility for the nation’s future.
Ambassador Xie took the opportunity to express deep concerns over what he described as “certain anti-China forces in the United States” who, in his view, have supported “Taiwan independence” elements. He cautioned that such actions could threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, he criticized the U.S. for its imposition of tariffs, arguing that these measures have severely affected the well-being of people worldwide, potentially exacerbating economic challenges on a global scale.
Responding to a recent announcement by the U.S. State Department regarding the revocation of visas for Chinese students, Ambassador Xie noted that the Chinese Embassy had submitted strong representations to American officials at the earliest opportunity. He assured attendees that China would “continue to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and overseas Chinese,” emphasizing the importance the Chinese government places on the welfare of its citizens abroad.
The Dragon Boat Festival, renowned for its rich traditions and spirited competitions, was described by Ambassador Xie as an event that encapsulates values of “determination, teamwork, and striving for excellence.” He drew parallels between the spirit of the dragon boat race and the enduring resilience and unity of the Chinese nation. “With more than 1.4 billion Chinese people rowing in unison, there is no storm we cannot weather, no destination we cannot reach,” he declared, encouraging overseas compatriots to draw inspiration from the “dragon boat spirit” in their pursuit of national reunification and rejuvenation.
The event concluded with calls for greater unity among overseas Chinese communities, an affirmation of shared cultural heritage, and renewed optimism for the future. The annual Dragon Boat Festival thus not only celebrated tradition but also highlighted ongoing social and political dialogues spanning both sides of the Pacific.
