50th Anniversary of US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA)
October-16 – 18, 2024
25th Washington Seminar on U.S.-China Relations
Fifty Years of Friendship: Building on that Foundation 1974-2024
Wednesday, October 16 6:30 – 8:30 Welcome reception at hotel
Thursday, October 17 Visits to various D.C. sites by bus, including the Chinese American Museum and evening reception at the Chinese Embassy
Friday, October 18 Program of China experts, recognition of “pioneers” of USCPFA and special guests; 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon and optional Chinese Dinner ($40)
In the current US China Review that went out to all members is a very nice letter from President Diana Greer talking about the upcoming USCPFA 50th Anniversary Celebration in Washington DC. You can read it here.
In that same issue is an article about the Role that USCPFA played in the U.S. Recognition of the Peoples Republic of China going back to 1972. In that article is also images of some of the people from 2015 to 2024 called the Faces of Friendship. You can read that story here.
Three other stories are available to read; Frank Pestana talks about the Beginnings of USCPFA; Bernie Lusher talks about Getting Organized and diplomacy, and Karen Shaw Kerpen "Roots of Friendship" that begins with Ping Pong Diplomacy. Read Karen's Story Here.
USCPFA Embassy Events
The Chinese New Year Celebration and Gourmet Night was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on January 16, 2024. Chinese delicacies were prepared by chefs of the Embassy and at least seven Washington, D.C. area Chinese restaurants. The memorable evening included musicians, a Sichuan opera “face-changing performance” and a lion dance.
The year 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of the founding of USCPFA. Help us plan an exciting year for USCPFA. Chapter presidents and members are asked to give input for activities to your board members, and national will also be reaching out to you through Zoom, by email and through the website.
Four members of USCPFA, along with other guests, met Lin Songtian, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and his delegation at the Chinese Embassy on February 16. Lin declared that China was open for tourists and business. He encouraged people involved with delegations, exchanges and tourism to start planning trips to China. More details on our important visit with him will be in the summer issue of USCR.
Best to all,
Diana C. Greer
President of USCPFA
Who We Are
The US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) educational organization. Our goal is to develop and strengthen friendship and understanding between the peoples of the United States and China.
USCPFA was founded as a national organization in 1974, working on people-to-people diplomacy between Americans and Chinese. Nearly 35 chapters in four regions spanning the U.S. comprise the organization. National policies are established by the membership, which meets biennially at a national convention. A national board of directors implements national policy and meets twice each year.
USCPFA is financed by membership dues, individual donations, local fundraising activities, and tours to China.
Why US-China Friendship?
China, with nearly one quarter of the world's population, has emerged as a nation that plays a significant role in world affairs.
With the realization of full diplomatic relations between the governments of the U.S. and China in 1979, opportunities for the American and Chinese people to learn from each other have increased significantly. Cultural, scientific, educational, medical and technological exchanges, which are of great value to both countries, are expanding rapidly. The US-China Peoples Friendship Association initiates and participates actively in these exchanges.
Exchanges and programs organized by USCPFA are helping to build a bridge of friendship between our countries. This bridge, based on personal knowledge of the two countries can play an important role in maintaining world peace.