Seattle gears up for VIP arrival
By Li Xing (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-04-19 06:18
The coffee chain sees China becoming its second-largest market outside the
United States.
But it's not all about the economy and trade many members of the local
Chinese community are excited about Hu's visit. They, along with members of
other friendly organizations, are scheduled to hear Hu's speech today at a
special luncheon at Boeing Company.
Gary Locke, former Chinese-American governor of Washington state who chairs
the planning committee for Hu's visit told Xinhua News Agency that the
US-Chinese relationship is stronger and better than ever before.
Louis Liu, a local tour guide, said on Monday that many local
Chinese-Americans started preparations weeks ago; some practising drum or dragon
dances as part of the welcome ceremony.
Seattle's links to China go back to the 1860s, when the first Chinese
immigrants arrived here.
Shawn Wong, Professor of English and Director of the University Honors
Program at University of Washington, told the Seattle Times that Chinese
Americans see a different China today from the one viewed by their forefathers.
In an email to China Daily, Wong said: "Today's China is growing so fast and
has such an impact on the world whether we're Chinese American or not, we need
to be engaged and look to the opportunities between China and the United
States."
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