NEW YORK, June 30 (Xinhua) -- An influential group of business, cultural and diplomatic leaders gathered Tuesday at the New York headquarters of the Bank of China to celebrate "The Year of the Tiger" with paintings by esteemed Chinese artist Xinle Ma.
The event was a recognition of the importance of culture in bringing together executives from banking, commerce and industry in an atmosphere conducive to establishing positive new relationships, Li Xiaojing, General Manager USA of the Bank of China, said at the reception.
Li was joined at the reception by the Chinese Cultural Foundation represented by Elizabeth B. Wang, founder and president and John W. Allen, founding trustee.
"I was fortunate to learn traditional Chinese painting from some of the great masters," Ma said. "Five tigers symbolize happiness and peace," he said. "The tiger is an animal with elements of our own human nature combined with its own wild spirit. In my paintings I like to make my tigers appear friendly and ready to come down to talk, play and live with us."
Ambassador Li Baodong, the Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Peng Keyu, China's Consul General in New York, Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, and Ambassador Nicholas Platt, the former President of the Asia Society, were among some 200 top international business and cultural leaders attended the reception.
Elizabeth B. Wang read a letter of congratulations from Mayor Michael Bloomberg that said in part:“Tonight I join you in applauding Xinle Ma and all those associated with the Bank of China and the Chinese Cultural Foundation for uniting our city in this celebration." Maurice R. "Hank" Greenberg, Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Cultural Foundation sent his greetings.
The Bank of China is China's oldest and most important international bank and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012. It established its New York banking operations in 1981.
The Chinese Cultural Foundation was established in 2003 and has been a major sponsor at many business, cultural and educational events around the world.
The Year of the Tiger Exhibition at the Bank of China
From left: Charles P. Wang, John W. Allen,
Elizabeth B. Wang, Li Xiaojing, Xinle Ma,
Stephen Orlins, Ambassador Peng Keyu, and Ambassador Nicholas Platt.
Ambassador Li Baodong, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations talked about the importance of Tiger in Chinese life.
John W. Allen, CCF Trustee presented a greetings from Chinese Cultural Foundation's Honorary Chairman Maurice R. "Hank" Greenberg.
A Letter of Congratulations from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was presented by Xinle Ma, Li Xiaojing and Elizabeth B. Wang.
Hua "Helene" Gao (left), and Charles E. Miller (right), Legal Counsel and Advisors of the Chinese Cultural Foundation.
Li Xiaojing, General Manager of Bank of China, USA and President of the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA hosted this special event.
Ambassador Nicholas Platt and Li Xiaojing at the opening reception.
Ambassador Nicholas Platt, former President of the Asia Society spoke on his historic 1972 trip with President Nixon visited China and his new book "China Boys".
Elizabeth B. Wang, Founder and President of Chinese Cultural Foundation read a Letter of Congratulations from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Xinle Ma, introduced his paintings and talked about Tigers as the inspiration of his life and his art.
Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations shared his commons on current US-China relations.
From left: Mrs. and Ambassador Li Baodong , Ambassador Peng Keyu (center), Xinle Ma and Li Xiaojing.
Anna L. Chu (second left), Executive Secretary, Bank of China New York Branch, Richard Huang (right), Secretary General of the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA.
Copyright © 2010 Chinese Cultural Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
