At the invitation of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), a 12-member US Illinois Legislative Delegation visited Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai, Lhasa, Guangzhou and Shenzhen successively from Aug. 20 to 31, 2011. During their visit in Beijing, Amb. Chen Yonglong, Vice President of the CPIFA, met with and hosted banquet in their honor. During their visit in other cities, Mr. Tong Zhiwu, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress, Mr. Xu Weiguo, Vice Governor of Liaoning Province, Mr. Qiangba Puncog , Chairman of the Standing Committee of Tibetan People’s Congress and Mr. Zhong Yangsheng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress respectively met with and hosted banquets in their honor. The two sides exchanged views on Sino-American relations.

       The delegation said this trip is helpful in gaining a better understanding of China’s development. Not only did they highly praise the achievements made by the big cities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou, but also they were impressed by the economic and social development of Tibet in recent years. The delegation hoped to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries in the future, especially in fields of economy and trade.