[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING AND SUSTAINING CHINESE AND AMERICAN CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Festival of 
China taking place at the Kennedy Center. This festival is the largest 
in the history of the Kennedy Center and the largest celebration of 
Chinese performing arts ever undertaken in the United States. Indeed, 
the Kennedy Center is coordinating the performances of more than 800 
artists from China and the United States and is hosting more than 50 
events associated with the month-long celebration.
  Mr. Speaker, it is well known that significant differences exist 
between the United States and China in some areas of current policy and 
practices. This is why it remains important that our government fosters 
cooperative artistic interaction between our two countries. I am 
pleased to commend the Kennedy Center and the Chinese Ministry of 
Culture for collaborating in this vein.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to draw this body's attention to the 
important role that these cultural exchanges play in the overarching 
relationship between China and the United States. As Chairman of the 
US-China Interparliamentary Exchange, I know that it is important that 
the United States and China continue to work to understand each other 
on a variety of levels. Mutual cooperation, particularly through U.S.-
China exchange programs and cultural events, brings about a deeper 
understanding and, in turn, can strengthen our bilateral relationship, 
so we can resolve our differences.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud this exposition as it works to deepen our 
appreciation for some of China's unique cultural treasures and enhance 
the friendship between our two countries.

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