Commemorating 53 Years of Ping Pong Diplomacy and 45 Years of U.S.-China Diplomatic Relations in Los Angeles
City of Industry, CA (December 22, 2024) – On the evening of December 22, the All Chinese American Association hosted a grand forum and dinner at the Pacific Palms Resort to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy and the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
Distinguished guests （Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
The event drew significant attention with the attendance of key figures such as Qin Zhijian, Vice President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, and celebrated table tennis champions Ma Long and Liu Shiwen. Adding a special historical dimension were Mr. Dell Sweeris and Mrs. Connie Sweeris, former members of the U.S. national table tennis team who were direct participants in the original Ping Pong Diplomacy events.
Distinguished guests included Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Guo Shaochun and his wife, Deputy Consul General Guo Zhiqiang, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Chair Gene Sykes, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Ms. Petra Sörling, and USA Table Tennis CEO Virginia Sung. Nearly 600 attendees joined the celebration.
Consul General Guo Shaochun （Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
In his keynote address, Consul General Guo Shaochun remarked, “Fifty-three years ago, young table tennis players from China and the U.S. planted the seeds of friendship and sincerity, breaking the ice of 22 years of separation between the two countries. It was a vivid expression of the mutual desire to enhance people-to-people interactions and understanding. This historic moment marked the beginning of over half a century of friendship and became an iconic chapter in China-U.S. relations.”
Qin Zhijian,（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
Qin Zhijian, representing the Chinese Olympic Committee, read a congratulatory letter sent by Chairman Gao Zhidan. Gao Zhidan, Chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee, said in his congratulatory letter that for more than half a century, the spirit of “ping-pong diplomacy” has been passed down from generation to generation, inspiring China and the United States to continuously strengthen pragmatic and mutually beneficial sports cooperation, give play to the unique role of sports, narrow the distance between the people, and deepen understanding and friendship. China will continue to deepen and expand all-round cooperation with the United States in the fields of competitive sports, youth sports, etc. It is hoped that both sides will draw on historical wisdom, continue to carry forward the spirit of ping-pong diplomacy, and contribute more to the continuous development of China-US friendly relations and world peace and stability.
Ma Long (second from right) and Liu Shiwen (first from left) exchange team flags with representatives of the U.S. Table Tennis Team（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
USA Table Tennis CEO Virginia Sung underscored the enduring significance of Ping Pong Diplomacy in her speech, stating, “The spirit of Ping Pong Diplomacy has not only strengthened the partnership between the Chinese and USA Table Tennis Teams but has also paved the way for building a lasting friendship between the people of these two great nations over the past five decades. As we reflect on the historic significance of Ping Pong Diplomacy and celebrate the profound impact of its legacy, let us also look ahead to a future shaped by the enduring values of mutual respect, collaboration, and diplomacy—values that will continue to guide and inspire us all.”
Edward Cai, President of the All Chinese American Association, highlighted the importance of U.S.-China relations in his remarks, saying, “The bilateral relationship between the United States and China is among the most critical in the world today, influencing global economic cooperation, cultural exchange, technological advancement, and regional security. Reflecting on the historic moments in U.S.-China relations and fostering enduring friendship between our peoples is the wellspring of lasting harmony between our nations.”
Guests view the photo exhibition （Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
The event also featured a photography exhibition, offering a visual retrospective of the shared history of Ping Pong Diplomacy.
(By: Richard Ren/LAPost)
（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
