Ambassador Xie Feng Highlights Cultural Unity at DC Dragon Boat Festival Celebration
Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife honor Dragon Boat Festival with community celebrations in Washington, D.C.
On May 30, 2025, the atmosphere along the Potomac River was alive with festive spirit as Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, accompanied by his wife Wang Dan, joined an enthusiastic gathering of Chinese community members from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to celebrate the traditional Dragon Boat Festival. The event, attended by Minister Counselor Qiu Wenxing and a vibrant crowd, featured cultural performances and dragon boat races, highlighting the importance of unity and heritage within the overseas Chinese community.
Ambassador Xie delivered remarks emphasizing the close familial ties shared by people across the Taiwan Strait, reflecting President Xi Jinping’s sentiment that “people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family.” He stressed that no external force can undermine these bonds of blood and kinship, nor stand in the way of the historical momentum toward China's reunification. Xie underscored the deep sense of common ancestry, culture, and history uniting the community, as well as a shared responsibility for the nation’s future and well-being.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Ambassador Xie voiced concern about “certain anti-China forces” in the U.S. whom he said have supported “Taiwan independence” elements engaging in provocative acts, thereby threatening stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait. He also criticized the recent escalation of U.S. tariffs against China, stating that these measures have seriously affected the welfare of people worldwide and disrupted normal economic exchanges.
The ambassador responded directly to a recent announcement from the U.S. State Department regarding the revocation of visas for Chinese students, describing it as an issue of significant concern. Ambassador Xie revealed the Chinese Embassy had lodged strong representations with the U.S., and reaffirmed China’s resolve to vigorously protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and overseas nationals. He called for fair treatment and greater understanding to ensure that educational and cultural exchanges remain open bridges between the two nations.
Highlighting the enduring legacy of the Dragon Boat Festival, Ambassador Xie reflected on the symbolic power of the dragon boat race—an emblem of determination, teamwork, and collective striving for excellence. He urged the audience to draw inspiration from this tradition, noting that the “dragon boat spirit” represents the resilience and unity of the entire Chinese nation.
“With more than 1.4 billion Chinese people rowing in unison,” Ambassador Xie proclaimed, “there is no storm we cannot weather, no destination we cannot reach.” He encouraged overseas compatriots to sail boldly forward on the path toward national reunification and rejuvenation, expressing hope that shared traditions like the Dragon Boat Festival will continue to foster solidarity, pride, and a sense of belonging among Chinese communities around the world.
