Welcoming the Year of the Pig
By • February 20, 2019 0 1752
On Feb. 7, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was among those at the Chinese Embassy to welcome the Year of the Pig at a special gathering in partnership with Meridian International, hosted by Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai. This year marks 40 years since the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the embassy pulled out all the stops to celebrate U.S.-China friendship, somewhat strained by ongoing tariff negotiations. Traditional Chinese fan dancers performed against a backdrop of pastels: a riot of pinks and fuchsias were reminders of the country’s optimistic future. Asian culinary delights were on offer and China’s best diplomatic weapon, the panda bear, was there too — if you count the stuffed bears decorating the buffet.
A Chinese fan dancer celebrates the new year. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and his wife, Hilary Geary. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Former Senator Mark Kirk with Dodie McCracken. Photo by Robert Devaney.
Ambassador Stuart Holliday, president and CEO of Meridian International Center, and Chris Whittle, founder of Whittle School & Studios. Photo by Robert Devaney.
