NEW YORK -- The Chinese people are not only hospitable, but are unified on major issues of principle, which is a strong bond to ensure the great success of the upcoming Beijing Olympics, said Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR).

"How happy we are to have friends from afar!" Orlins, who is fairly familiar with and fond of Chinese culture, spoke highly of the ways that the Chinese receive guests in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.

China is a nation of courtesy and propriety, he said, "being hospitable to guests from far away is part of Chinese culture." Therefore, he said,  all people visiting the host city Beijing will feel the profound hospitality during their stay while the Olympic Games are being held.

Noting that the Chinese government and people are "very, very unified on major issues like the Olympics, Tibet and Taiwan," he said this brings great power and strength that will ensure a great success of the big event.

With much experience in China, Orlins said that China is the biggest developing nation in the world with the fastest economic growth rate and one of the oldest civilizations, and hosting the Games is itself a "statement that China has now become a real economic and political power."

"I am sure that the Chinese government, which is strong and unified, will do everything necessary to make the Olympics a success," he added.

Speaking of the opening ceremony, which has attracted big attention around the world, Orlins noted that U.S. President George W. Bush "has made the right decision to attend the Olympics."

He said that a boycott "would anger both the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people and it is really not a very effective way to accomplish one's goals."

Orlins said that the NCUSCR will continue educating the American public about what is going on in China. "I think that is particularly important."

He also said that the Olympics, because of all the television coverage about China, will help promote China's image in the United States and help people see all the aspects of China, including its history and culture.

Orlins couldn't help expressing his excitement in Mandarin Chinese, "Beijing is my home town, I know more about Beijing than New York."

Having lived in Beijing for years, Orlins said he has enjoyed life there. He said: "I love the way it is laid out. I love the Forbidden City.I like the way it has developed and I like the way I take the subway around..."

"I am planning on attending the opening ceremony," he said, adding "I have been waiting for this for years."

Established in 1966, the NCUSCR is a nonprofit educational organization that encourages the understanding of China and the United States by citizens of both countries. Its continuity of experience and depth of associations with senior officials and distinguished citizens of China and the United States make it a unique national resource.