FriendShipCities.Com - Frank Chen and Blossom Chen

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote cultural exchange and understanding between the people of Nanning City, its outlying areas in southern Guangxi Province, China, and the people of the southwestern region of the United States, Los Angeles County, California.

To develop reciprocal exchange programs in education, culture, language, music, art and sports which will further enhance the growth and mutual respect of both countries in the global community and foster world peace.

INTRODUCTION
The beautiful “Green City” of Nanning is truly an inspiration to anyone who visits the southwest coast region of China. Not only is it a beautiful city, Nanning is at its initial stages of growth with endless opportunities. It is just beginning to compete with larger cities in China, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, for world trade and world markets. Nanning is in the beginning of its prime. It is located in an area rich in natural resources, lush fertile agriculture, bordered by a deep natural harbor, serving as the gateway to ten southeastern Asian countries. It is the home of thirty-five culturally diverse ethnic groups that live harmoniously in one region. Any tourist is thrilled to experience the diverse, colorful ways these groups harmoniously express their art, music, food and culture.

The people of Nanning live in a subtropical climate with its many geographical features similar to greater Los Angeles County, consisting of 88 cities, with many things in common. A strong and deep friendship between Nanning and Los Angeles County promotes the mutual understanding that heightens and evolves the strong relationship between these two regions, strengthening and reinforcing the reciprocal exchange of education, culture, language, music, art and sports both nationally and globally.

We are blessed to have been able to visit this captivating city of Nanning, not too very long ago. We fell in love with Nanning and saw the potential of possibilities. We believe there is the greatest need for the United States and China to become joint partners by promoting the growth and understanding of the diverse cultures that exist between Los Angeles County and Nanning. We looked to our Los Angeles County Mayor, Michael Antonovich, to give us the endorsement and direction to proceed in this venture. To our delight, he helped to pave the way for this journey to begin.

As with any venture, it takes a team of people working together to make dreams come true. And so it is. Mr. Lin Guoqiang, the Mayor of the City of Nanning with his staff, and our own Mayor Michael Antonovich, along with Chief Deputy Kathryn Barger Leibrich and staff, have embarked on the next step of this journey to create the systems necessary to achieve our goal of “Friendship City Status” between Nanning and Los Angeles County. Our vision is to nurture long lasting relationships, based in trust, mutual understanding, respect, and honor that reach into future generations of both countries that we love so much.

LOCATION
Nanning is located in the south of Guangxi. Backing on Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichun Provinces, it faces to the Southeast Asian corridor, adjoins Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to the east and the Hainan Island in the Gulf of Tonkin to the south and connects with Indochina Peninsula to the west. As the forefront connecting China and Southeast Asia, south of China and southwest of China, it is the transportation hub on the way to the sea for southwest China and the permanent venue for the China-ASEAN Expo.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The economy of Nanning City has been on a healthy track. It is coordinating quick growth and showing strong vitality and drive. In 2005, the GDP (Growth Domestic Product) of the whole city was RMB 69 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 13.2%. The financial revenue was RMB 10 billion, 20.7% more than that of the previous year. The total retail sales of consumer goods were RMB 3.33 million.

INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION
Since 2002, with the aim of building into a modernized international metropolis, Nanning has increased the momentum to build its reputation as “the Green City of China,” vigorously implementing the four environmental projects characterized by blue sky, clean water, green and tranquil environment, known as the “136 Program” (a minor change in one year, a medium one in three, and a fundamental one is six years, focusing on urban construction). Engineers made great efforts in bridge building and road construction. Old town reform and new urban district construction have been carried out so as to broaden the city development. Obvious achievements have been made in landscaping, beautifying and brightening the city on a large scale. Extensive and profound ways have enhanced the quality, improved the living environment and shaped the new image of the “Green City”. The goal of a medium change in three years has been realized. The emergency response center, medical service system, telecom system, financial and insurance system, as well as water and power supply system make Nanning a safe and comfortable place.

The Provincial Government has designated Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Province, a Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which is derived from the "Developing Western Regions Strategy" policy of helping minorities in the area. Nanning is the cultural, agricultural, political and economic center that promotes a variety of cultural exchanges, summit forums, trade of goods, investments and trade of services, etc. Integrating cultural and student exchange with the deeper understanding and cooperation of promoting social diversity, Nanning concentrates on building import and export businesses, investments, exhibitions, local, national and international business promotions, and focus group forums. It centers on education, new and high technology, logistics and manufacturing, sports, ethnic art, folk music and recreational tourism. Nanning is a free-trade zone, and a permanent site of the China-ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) Expo.

Since ancient times, Nanning has also been recognized as an attractive, strategically geographical “eye” to Southeast Asia. Just seven years in development, the modern portion of the capital city has also become a political and cultural center. Nanning is deemed as one of the top ten most progressive cities in China. It was chosen as a sanitation-wise city, and has modern freeways and broad streets. The Central Government of China recognizes this important city and has invested billions of RMP (RenMinPi or Yuan). It is joined to Guangdong’s Special Economic and Industrial Zone, which encompasses the greater China economic circle, called “Da Jung Hua JingJi Cuan.” Through this Friendship City status, Los Angeles County and many other cities in the United States can now take advantage of joining China to develop their businesses within China's greater economic circle.

Nanning now enjoys the reputation as the “Green City of China”. Landscaping has been accelerated in 2005 and a number of green land and scenic spots appeared as a result. The greening rate of the urban built-up area, green coverage rate and the average per capita area of public green land of Nanning were respectively 39.8%. Nanning has been attaching great importance to the harmony between urban development and eco-environmental construction. In 2005, the days of atmospheric environment excellence were as high as 95% of the special project of drinking water source treatment. Yongjiang River attained remarkable achievement, and the water quality-passing rate is 98.03%. The urban environmental quality of the city met with the international standard and the work aiming at being the Model City for Environmental Protection has been initiated.

Nanning has been awarded such honors as “Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment”, “China’s Top Ten Cities for Eco-Environment Construction”, the first award for “Excellent Living Environment in China”, “National Garden City”, “China’s Top Ten Cities for Tree Planting, Afforestation and Greening Construction”, “National Hygiene City”, and “China Top City for Environment Comprehensive Treatment”, etc.

AIRLINES
Aviation of Nanning has developed rapidly. They currently have an international modern airport flying all throughout Southeast Asia. Currently, the airlines of Nanning mostly cover the east, the south and the southwest parts of China. Presently available in Nanning are more than 30 domestic and international flights to major Chinese and foreign cities abroad with connecting international flights via Hong Kong.

RAILWAYS
Railways of Nanning extend in all directions reaching Singapore via Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. Nanning South Station, soon to be opened to traffic, will be the largest marshalling station in Southwest China. A circular railway around the city and the Nanning East Station are also to be constructed and completed in the near future.

WATERWAYS
Nanning has favorable conditions for water transportation. Ships may navigate throughout the year down to Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao. Presently, Nanning is expanding and constructing larger, world-class shipping berths.

EFFICIENT BUS TRANSPORTATION
National and provincial highways are the main framework of road transportation in Nanning that connect the capital city of different prefectures and cities, tourist cities, port cities and major material distributing centers of Guangxi. Nanning is located in the intersection of the roads leading to Hanoi, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. In addition, the urban fast circular beltway and the outer circular expressway, which are parts of the “Smooth Traffic Project” underway, have already been opened to traffic and is buzzing with activity.

PUBLIC UTILITIES
With the target of building an international metropolis, the urban infrastructure continues to improve exponentially. Many modern landmarks and facilities have been built, such as the Famous-tree Exposition Garden in Nanhu Lake, Folk Songs Square, Minsheng Square, the Nanning International Exhibition and Convention Center, Water-screen Movie in South Nanhu Lake and Qingxiu Mountain Golf Course, etc. Even more, the emergency response center, medical service system, telecom system, and credit card processing/financing systems, as well as liability and life insurance policies are in place, along with water, power and gas supply systems that have made Nanning a safe and comfortable place to live.

LANDSCAPING
Nanning focuses great importance on improving and maintaining its ecological environment to be in harmony with nature. It ranks among the top cities regarding comprehensive quantitative urban environment indicators. People in Nanning live a cozy life. At present, the green coverage rate of Nanning is 39%, and leads other cities.

CULTURE AND SPORTS
Nanning is dedicated to cultivating her own culture as "The Green City Culture". The city emphasizes the harmonious co-development between the environment and the people. The flourishing culture undertakings of Nanning have stimulated the creativities of its artists. A large number of excellent literature and artistic works have emerged. Among those works, the "Nanning International Folk Song Art Festival" Opening Ceremony, “Song of the Earth” and the marvelous Zhuang opera, "Ma Le Visits Heaven" have become Nanning’s top attractions. Its sports and recreation facilities are well equipped, and their libraries are filled with various kinds of books and periodicals. The city's mass media is well developed, and citizens of Nanning now have access to all kinds of recreation and entertainment. The improvement of the citizens’ quality of life enhances the development of Nanning's culture. Nanning is also known for its weight-lifting champions, and is known as the cradle for Guangxi's athletes. The mass sports, athletic sports and professional sports are thriving. Nanning's athletes are especially good at light sports, acrobatic gymnastics, and aquatic sports. A large number of national athletes, several world champions and Asian champions have been trained and nurtured. Several of them have won world renown prizes and national prizes.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
In Nanning, the Chinese government advocates modernization in education, production, the improvement of living environments and lifestyle, while promoting the western concept of consumption. It actively advances the construction of "new type" communities, optimizing the community's service system by strengthening community security. Up to now, there are 343 community neighborhood committees in the city. Also, in order to meet the security demand of modern cities, Nanning has established the first city emergency co-reaction system in China, which consists of the police department, the fire department, the emergency response department and other community oriented response teams.

CHINA ASEAN EXPO – OCTOBER 2006

It is one thing to know the vast resources that Nanning has to offer, but seeing it firsthand is the best way to understand and appreciate the scope and beauty of Nanning. In October of 2006, we are taking a limited group of people with various backgrounds and interests to the third annual China ASEAN Expo in order to explore the different types of resources that are possible to be exchanged and shared with the United States and other countries. We will work out all the logistics with the various entities in China.

If you are interested in joining us on this journey of exploration and adventure to China, contact us.

Just as George Washington suggested, "People should observe good faith and justice toward all nations and cultivate peace and harmony with all,” we embark on this journey of joining two great powers, China and the United States of America, with their diverse cultural historys and contributions to the world, by taking one step toward the future, as Lao Tzu so eloquently stated in 500 BC. It is by this one step that we learn what it takes to live in harmony with others, not just for ourselves, but for our children's children, because the next generations of people will interact more with China’s growing global influence in ways beyond our present comprehension. Yes, the world in which we live is becoming smaller and smaller, as each day passes and technology advances. We already have bridges that forge across continents bringing us closer together through the Internet, cell phones and fax machines. We want to bring Nanning City and Los Angeles County together as the two greatest friendship cities in the world. And as our mission states: we want to further enhance the growth and mutual respect of both countries in the global community and foster world peace by enhancing the lives of citizens in both countries, one city at a time. Nanning and Los Angeles County are those cities where we will begin.




HOME GALLERY

LINKS LEARN CHINESE CONTACT US China-ASEAN EXPO DATES Honorary Advisory Committee Michael D. Antonovich Supervisor 5th District, County of Los Angeles Kathryn Barger-Leibrich Chief Deputy of Los Angeles County Mayor Office of Protocol County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Sandra J. Ausman Chief of Protocol Lourdes Saab Deputy Chief of Protocol Glenda Wina, Director Special Projects Chris Vigueria-Crabtree Former Director of Special Projects Ambassador J.Steven Rhodes, Director Ivanhoe Energy John Aaroe President Prudential California Realty Gerald L. Kane Attorney at Law Gerald L. Kane & Associates Elizabeth G. Muller Designer and Marketing Orange Twice Company John G. Snell Vice President Cathay Bank Jeffrey Tung General Manager Calamus Group, Inc. Shelley Whizin President Dream Vision Marketing FRIENDSHIP CITIES FOUNDATION INC. CO-FOUNDERS Frank S. Chen Blossom M. Chen Lily Chun Ping Li Liaison in Los Angeles From Nanning Wei Xun Zhen Liaison in Nanning Meng Ying Liaison in GuangXi			NANNING GUANGXI, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA FRIENDSHIP CITIES LOS ANGELES COUNTY and NANNING GUANGXI "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Lao Tzu "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." -George Washington *MISSION STATEMENT* To promote cultural exchange and understanding between the people of Nanning City, its outlying areas in southern Guangxi Province, China, and the people of the southwestern region of the United States, Los Angeles County, California. To develop reciprocal exchange programs in education, culture, language, music, art and sports which will further enhance the growth and mutual respect of both countries in the global community and foster world peace. INTRODUCTION The beautiful “Green City” of Nanning is truly an inspiration to anyone who visits the southwest coast region of China. Not only is it a beautiful city, Nanning is at its initial stages of growth with endless opportunities. It is just beginning to compete with larger cities in China, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, for world trade and world markets. Nanning is in the beginning of its prime. It is located in an area rich in natural resources, lush fertile agriculture, bordered by a deep natural harbor, serving as the gateway to ten southeastern Asian countries. It is the home of thirty-five culturally diverse ethnic groups that live harmoniously in one region. Any tourist is thrilled to experience the diverse, colorful ways these groups harmoniously express their art, music, food and culture. The people of Nanning live in a subtropical climate with its many geographical features similar to greater Los Angeles County, consisting of 88 cities, with many things in common. A strong and deep friendship between Nanning and Los Angeles County promotes the mutual understanding that heightens and evolves the strong relationship between these two regions, strengthening and reinforcing the reciprocal exchange of education, culture, language, music, art and sports both nationally and globally. FRANK AND BLOSSOM CHEN, CO-FOUNDERS, SPEAK ON A PERSONAL NOTE It seems unlikely that two dedicated educators with a vision of world peace could help tie two major world powers together in friendship. In fact, it sounds impossible. Well, it’s not. It just proves that when someone is passionate about what they dream, anything can happen. We are blessed to have been able to visit this captivating city of Nanning, not too very long ago. We fell in love with Nanning and saw the potential of possibilities. We believe there is the greatest need for the United States and China to become joint partners by promoting the growth and understanding of the diverse cultures that exist between Los Angeles County and Nanning. We looked to our Los Angeles County Mayor, Michael Antonovich, to give us the endorsement and direction to proceed in this venture. To our delight, he helped to pave the way for this journey to begin. As with any venture, it takes a team of people working together to make dreams come true. And so it is. Mr. Lin Guoqiang, the Mayor of the City of Nanning with his staff, and our own Mayor Michael Antonovich, along with Chief Deputy Kathryn Barger Leibrich and staff, have embarked on the next step of this journey to create the systems necessary to achieve our goal of “Friendship City Status” between Nanning and Los Angeles County. Our vision is to nurture long lasting relationships, based in trust, mutual understanding, respect, and honor that reach into future generations of both countries that we love so much. LOCATION Nanning is located in the south of Guangxi. Backing on Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichun Provinces, it faces to the Southeast Asian corridor, adjoins Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to the east and the Hainan Island in the Gulf of Tonkin to the south and connects with Indochina Peninsula to the west. As the forefront connecting China and Southeast Asia, south of China and southwest of China, it is the transportation hub on the way to the sea for southwest China and the permanent venue for the China-ASEAN Expo. AREA The total area of Nanning is 22,112 km²=8,637 square miles, with 6559 km²=2,562 square miles for the downtown area and over 150km²=59 square miles for the built-up area. ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION Nanning has now jurisdiction over six urban districts and six counties. These include Xingnig District, Xixiangtang District, Qingxiu District,Yongning District, Jiangnan District, Liangqing District and Wuming County, Hengxian County, Bingyang County, Shanglin County, Mashan County and Long’an County. POPULATION The total population of Nanning City is 6.41 million, of which the population in the city proper is 1.5 million. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The economy of Nanning City has been on a healthy track. It is coordinating quick growth and showing strong vitality and drive. In 2005, the GDP (Growth Domestic Product) of the whole city was RMB 69 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 13.2%. The financial revenue was RMB 10 billion, 20.7% more than that of the previous year. The total retail sales of consumer goods were RMB 3.33 million. INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION Since 2002, with the aim of building into a modernized international metropolis, Nanning has increased the momentum to build its reputation as “the Green City of China,” vigorously implementing the four environmental projects characterized by blue sky, clean water, green and tranquil environment, known as the “136 Program” (a minor change in one year, a medium one in three, and a fundamental one is six years, focusing on urban construction). Engineers made great efforts in bridge building and road construction. Old town reform and new urban district construction have been carried out so as to broaden the city development. Obvious achievements have been made in landscaping, beautifying and brightening the city on a large scale. Extensive and profound ways have enhanced the quality, improved the living environment and shaped the new image of the “Green City”. The goal of a medium change in three years has been realized. The emergency response center, medical service system, telecom system, financial and insurance system, as well as water and power supply system make Nanning a safe and comfortable place. DESIGNATION The Provincial Government has designated Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Province, a Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which is derived from the "Developing Western Regions Strategy" policy of helping minorities in the area. Nanning is the cultural, agricultural, political and economic center that promotes a variety of cultural exchanges, summit forums, trade of goods, investments and trade of services, etc. Integrating cultural and student exchange with the deeper understanding and cooperation of promoting social diversity, Nanning concentrates on building import and export businesses, investments, exhibitions, local, national and international business promotions, and focus group forums. It centers on education, new and high technology, logistics and manufacturing, sports, ethnic art, folk music and recreational tourism. Nanning is a free-trade zone, and a permanent site of the China-ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) Expo. Since ancient times, Nanning has also been recognized as an attractive, strategically geographical “eye” to Southeast Asia. Just seven years in development, the modern portion of the capital city has also become a political and cultural center. Nanning is deemed as one of the top ten most progressive cities in China. It was chosen as a sanitation-wise city, and has modern freeways and broad streets. The Central Government of China recognizes this important city and has invested billions of RMP (RenMinPi or Yuan). It is joined to Guangdong’s Special Economic and Industrial Zone, which encompasses the greater China economic circle, called “Da Jung Hua JingJi Cuan.” Through this Friendship City status, Los Angeles County and many other cities in the United States can now take advantage of joining China to develop their businesses within China's greater economic circle. LANDSCAPING Nanning now enjoys the reputation as the “Green City of China”. Landscaping has been accelerated in 2005 and a number of green land and scenic spots appeared as a result. The greening rate of the urban built-up area, green coverage rate and the average per capita area of public green land of Nanning were respectively 39.8%. Nanning has been attaching great importance to the harmony between urban development and eco-environmental construction. In 2005, the days of atmospheric environment excellence were as high as 95% of the special project of drinking water source treatment. Yongjiang River attained remarkable achievement, and the water quality-passing rate is 98.03%. The urban environmental quality of the city met with the international standard and the work aiming at being the Model City for Environmental Protection has been initiated. HONORS Nanning has been awarded such honors as “Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment”, “China’s Top Ten Cities for Eco-Environment Construction”, the first award for “Excellent Living Environment in China”, “National Garden City”, “China’s Top Ten Cities for Tree Planting, Afforestation and Greening Construction”, “National Hygiene City”, and “China Top City for Environment Comprehensive Treatment”, etc. NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Philippines; also close to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. DEMOGRAPHICS · Capital city of six million people and growing with over 63% being of the Zhuang population, where cultural diversity is the norm rather than the exception · Language is Nanning Bai dialect (intoned slightly different Guangdong dialect and Putonghua (Mandarin) · Exhibits contributions of 35 minority groups from which the provincial governor must be chosen · Nanning City is equivalent to the County of Los Angeles · Elementary to higher educational institutions exist AIRLINES Aviation of Nanning has developed rapidly. They currently have an international modern airport flying all throughout Southeast Asia. Currently, the airlines of Nanning mostly cover the east, the south and the southwest parts of China. Presently available in Nanning are more than 30 domestic and international flights to major Chinese and foreign cities abroad with connecting international flights via Hong Kong. RAILWAYS Railways of Nanning extend in all directions reaching Singapore via Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. Nanning South Station, soon to be opened to traffic, will be the largest marshalling station in Southwest China. A circular railway around the city and the Nanning East Station are also to be constructed and completed in the near future. WATERWAYS Nanning has favorable conditions for water transportation. Ships may navigate throughout the year down to Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao. Presently, Nanning is expanding and constructing larger, world-class shipping berths. EFFICIENT BUS TRANSPORTATION National and provincial highways are the main framework of road transportation in Nanning that connect the capital city of different prefectures and cities, tourist cities, port cities and major material distributing centers of Guangxi. Nanning is located in the intersection of the roads leading to Hanoi, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. In addition, the urban fast circular beltway and the outer circular expressway, which are parts of the “Smooth Traffic Project” underway, have already been opened to traffic and is buzzing with activity. PUBLIC UTILITIES With the target of building an international metropolis, the urban infrastructure continues to improve exponentially. Many modern landmarks and facilities have been built, such as the Famous-tree Exposition Garden in Nanhu Lake, Folk Songs Square, Minsheng Square, the Nanning International Exhibition and Convention Center, Water-screen Movie in South Nanhu Lake and Qingxiu Mountain Golf Course, etc. Even more, the emergency response center, medical service system, telecom system, and credit card processing/financing systems, as well as liability and life insurance policies are in place, along with water, power and gas supply systems that have made Nanning a safe and comfortable place to live. LANDSCAPING Nanning focuses great importance on improving and maintaining its ecological environment to be in harmony with nature. It ranks among the top cities regarding comprehensive quantitative urban environment indicators. People in Nanning live a cozy life. At present, the green coverage rate of Nanning is 39%, and leads other cities. CULTURE AND SPORTS Nanning is dedicated to cultivating her own culture as "The Green City Culture". The city emphasizes the harmonious co-development between the environment and the people. The flourishing culture undertakings of Nanning have stimulated the creativities of its artists. A large number of excellent literature and artistic works have emerged. Among those works, the "Nanning International Folk Song Art Festival" Opening Ceremony, “Song of the Earth” and the marvelous Zhuang opera, "Ma Le Visits Heaven" have become Nanning’s top attractions. Its sports and recreation facilities are well equipped, and their libraries are filled with various kinds of books and periodicals. The city's mass media is well developed, and citizens of Nanning now have access to all kinds of recreation and entertainment. The improvement of the citizens’ quality of life enhances the development of Nanning's culture. Nanning is also known for its weight-lifting champions, and is known as the cradle for Guangxi's athletes. The mass sports, athletic sports and professional sports are thriving. Nanning's athletes are especially good at light sports, acrobatic gymnastics, and aquatic sports. A large number of national athletes, several world champions and Asian champions have been trained and nurtured. Several of them have won world renown prizes and national prizes. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT In Nanning, the Chinese government advocates modernization in education, production, the improvement of living environments and lifestyle, while promoting the western concept of consumption. It actively advances the construction of "new type" communities, optimizing the community's service system by strengthening community security. Up to now, there are 343 community neighborhood committees in the city. Also, in order to meet the security demand of modern cities, Nanning has established the first city emergency co-reaction system in China, which consists of the police department, the fire department, the emergency response department and other community oriented response teams. CHINA ASEAN EXPO – OCTOBER 2006 It is one thing to know the vast resources that Nanning has to offer, but seeing it firsthand is the best way to understand and appreciate the scope and beauty of Nanning. In October of 2006, we are taking a limited group of people with various backgrounds and interests to the third annual China ASEAN Expo in order to explore the different types of resources that are possible to be exchanged and shared with the United States and other countries. We will work out all the logistics with the various entities in China. If you are interested in joining us on this journey of exploration and adventure to China, contact us. CONCLUSION Just as George Washington suggested, "People should observe good faith and justice toward all nations and cultivate peace and harmony with all,” we embark on this journey of joining two great powers, China and the United States of America, with their diverse cultural historys and contributions to the world, by taking one step toward the future, as Lao Tzu so eloquently stated in 500 BC. It is by this one step that we learn what it takes to live in harmony with others, not just for ourselves, but for our children's children, because the next generations of people will interact more with China’s growing global influence in ways beyond our present comprehension. Yes, the world in which we live is becoming smaller and smaller, as each day passes and technology advances. We already have bridges that forge across continents bringing us closer together through the Internet, cell phones and fax machines. We want to bring Nanning City and Los Angeles County together as the two greatest friendship cities in the world. And as our mission states: we want to further enhance the growth and mutual respect of both countries in the global community and foster world peace by enhancing the lives of citizens in both countries, one city at a time. Nanning and Los Angeles County are those cities where we will begin.