On October 18, the Chinese-American Foundation and the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) jointly celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and China. This event highlighted the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the U.S. and its significant positive impact on Sino-American relations.

In his remarks, Consul General Guo Zhiqiang from the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles emphasized the indispensable role that TCM has played in fostering health and cultural exchanges between the two nations. He expressed hope for closer cooperation in the healthcare sector moving forward.

Congresswoman Judy Chu reflected on the historical significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979, noting the significant achievements in the recognition and development of acupuncture as a traditional medicine in the U.S. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to include acupuncture in federal healthcare insurance systems.

During the event, SCU President John Scaringe stated that TCM not only enriches the healthcare options available in the U.S. but also offers diverse health management solutions for the public. Foundation President Yu Zewei noted that following President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, acupuncture gained widespread attention in the U.S., marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of TCM. He called upon more organizations and individuals to actively participate in promoting further cultural and medical exchanges between the two countries.

Jenny Yu, Dean of the SCU College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shared SCU’s achievements in TCM education, emphasizing that it was the first school in the U.S. to offer a Doctorate in Chinese Medicine. The curriculum combines TCM theory with modern Western medical practices, producing a large number of highly skilled professionals in the field.

The event attracted a diverse array of attendees from government, healthcare, academia, and community sectors, culminating in a successful celebration.