President Xi Jinping, in a congratulatory letter to the National Committee on US-China Relations, said that the two nations' relationship "enjoys whole new vistas".

The NCUSCR held its annual gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York, and Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the US, read President Xi's letter.

"I wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to your committee for its commendable efforts in promoting China-US relations over the years. I also wish to offer my hearty congratulations to the American corporations that will be honored at the Gala Dinner tonight," Xi wrote.

Microsoft Corp and Qualcomm Inc were honored for their efforts to enhance China-US relations by the way they conduct business in China.

"Going forward, China will stay committed to deepening its reform, opening itself wider to the world and enhancing its friendship and cooperation with other countries. In this context, the China-US relationship enjoys whole new vistas," Xi wrote.

"During his recent state visit to China, President Trump and I reached important consensuses on a broad range of issues. We agreed on the need to broaden bilateral exchanges and cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, properly handle differences on the basis of mutual respect, and strive for greater development of our bilateral relationship.

"I will count on your committee and all the Chinese and American friends from various social sectors to join forces, stay committed to your biding aspiration, and continue to contribute to the friendship and cooperation between China and the United States."

Stephen Orlins, president of the NCUSCR, announced that the committee has reached its fundraising goal of $15 million.

"We celebrated what we have accomplished and ask how far we need to go," said Orlins, who also spoke of surging Chinese investment in the US. "I'm thrilled to see the Chinese government is moving in that direction immediately after President Trump left Beijing 10 days ago," said Orlins, in reference to major business deals agreed to in Beijing.

Ambassador Cui, in his own remarks, said: "China's development has brought new historic opportunities for China-US relations and has opened up even broader prospects, and that's my hope, that the American side will work with us, make best use of this historic relationship and stick to the right direction of our bilateral relations. "

Steve Howe, EY US chairman and Americas managing partner, presented the award to Microsoft and described China's rising role in the world.

"I visited China for the first time (in 1982) while I was a senior at Colgate University so much has changed in the past 35 years - China has transformed itself," he said. "It (Microsoft) plays a crucial role in this transformative age - especially with the massive opportunities brought by the collaboration."

Microsoft President Brad Smith said via video: "Our commitment to Chinese market has never been stronger; it's simply impossible to imagine the bright future for our planet that is not founded on a healthy relationship between China and the US."

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com