Chinese embassy hosts cultural event with tea and music

With the aroma of oolong tea in the air and melodies drifting from the guzheng and piano, the Chinese Embassy in Washington transformed into a stage of cultural diplomacy on Friday, with its ambassador sharing not just the drink with guests, but also a Chinese history steeped in tea.

Speaking at the "Tea for Harmony: East Meets West in Music" reception on a summer evening, Ambassador Xie Feng delivered an ode to the "magical oriental leaves", which he described as embodying China's principles of modesty and respect for others. He highlighted how tea connects China with the world while reflecting its value of harmony in diversity.

For Xie, tea, along with its etiquette, symbolize values that extend beyond the teahouse and guide diplomacy: balance, equality and mutual respect.

"In a tea ceremony, it is important to ensure everyone tastes the same tea and every cup is served in a respectful manner," he said. "Underlying this is our belief that only with equality and respect can we achieve peaceful coexistence, and harmony brings prosperity to all."

Attending the event were more than 200 guests – Americans from various circles and diplomats in Washington, who have diverse taste for drinks.

Xie said coffee and tea are not incompatible with each other, and "both can perk you up and leave a sweet aftertaste."

"The United States is now the world's third-largest tea importer, while China has nearly 400 million coffee drinkers," he said. "This has again proved that it is entirely possible for different civilizations to draw on each other and flourish together."

Xie portrayed tea as a living cultural form, evolving with time and embraced by younger generations worldwide.

He pointed to the global popularity of Chinese brands like Heytea, Gong Cha and Chagee, and noted that new Chinese-style tea drinks now generate nearly $50 billion in market value.

"Sitting around a stove to brew tea is becoming a trendy way to connect with friends," he said.