Secretary's Speech

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Remarks at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Washington, D.C.

Thank you. I’m honored to be here for the opening of the new chancery building of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. This magnificent building symbolizes the growing importance of our rapidly expanding bilateral relations. When China opened its first liaison office here 35 years ago, there was little trade between our two countries. Today, China is our second largest trading partner and largest export market outside NAFTA.

More significantly, the dedication of this new embassy, and soon our new embassy in Beijing, symbolize our mutual commitment to building this relationship into one of the most important and dynamic bilateral ties in the 21st century.

This beautiful structure is also a reflection of the great synergy between our two countries and peoples. The eminent Pei Partnership Architects worked with their Chinese counterparts and master craftsmen to create what’s destined to become a landmark in our nation’s capital.

And this new building is a tribute to the powerful idea of openness. I.M. Pei, who advised on the architecture, is, like Secretary Chao and me, an immigrant. The openness of the U. S. has allowed him to combine his Chinese heritage with innovative concepts to create architectural masterpieces.

Let us keep this in mind as we rededicate to building stronger relations and friendship between our two great nations and peoples in the coming decades. Thank you.