Chinese consulate in Houston celebrates National Day

The Chinese Consulate General in Houston held a reception Wednesday to mark the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on next Tuesday.

Hundreds of people attended the event, including consulate staff, US federal and local officials, as well as representatives of local businesses, colleges, Chinese communities, and Chinese students.

Speaking at the reception, Consul General Xu Erwen said Chinese take great pride in the achievements their country has made during the past 64 years.

"Today's China is a country where the economy develops fast...Today's China is a country that has never before been so closely connected with the world...Today's China is a country where people are pursuing their individual dreams as well as the dream of the nation," said Xu.

Xu noted China is fully aware that it is still a developing country with a per capita GDP far behind that of the developed countries like the United States.

And there is a long way to go for China to reach its goal of modernization, and the pursuit of the "Chinese Dream" will go on and on.

Xu said the Chinese government is confident that China's momentum of development will not cease, that Chinese people are fully capable of maintaining a sustained healthy economic development, contributing to world economic recovery and growth.

Xu said China-US relations are improving with a very good momentum this year, with a lot of progress in various exchanges and cooperation.

A good China-U.S. relationship benefits both countries and peoples, and is needed by the world, Xu added.

Former US President Jimmy Carter, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Congressman Pete Olsen sent congratulatory letters to the consulate.

Neil Bush, representing his father -- former President George H.W. Bush -- attended the reception and gave a speech, recalling his family's history with China and wishing Chinese a happy holiday.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker has named Oct. 1 as "People's Republic of China Day."