Vice President Xie Yuan met with a U.S. State Official Delegation, headed by Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, on October 12, 2015. The both sides had an in-depth discussion on ways to promote China-U.S. sub-national exchanges and cooperation. The delegation members include New York Assemblyman Michael Blake, State Representative Michael Butler of Missouri, State Representative Jenifer Loon of Minnesota and State Representative Lance Pruitt of Alaska.

Vice President Xie expressed warm welcome to the delegation. He said sub-national relations are the cornerstone for the China-U.S. relationship. Entrusted by the Chinese government, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) is responsible for coordinating and managing the friendship-city relations between China and foreign countries, and has helped establish 244 pairs of friendship states and cities between China and U.S.. The visit by the delegation can help deepen sub-national cooperation between the two countries. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-Fascist war and the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. The CPAFFC invited World War II veterans and their relatives, including Flying Tigers, to attend commemorative activities in China and held a photo exhibition in the U.S.. It is with the hope that Chinese and American peoples will never forget the history that our two countries fought shoulder by shoulder for the just cause in the World War II.

Senator Duff thanked the CPAFFC for its invitation and hospitality to his delegation. He said the delegation members are from different U.S. states and represent the good will of their own state to cooperate with Chinese counterparts. By visiting cities like Beijing, Chongqing and Shanghai and connecting with local governments and legislatures, they hope to lay a solid foundation for win-win cooperation in the future.