On September 25th, 2018, Acting Consul General Liu Jun attended the poetry, song, and dance performance of "The Greatest Spirit: Embrace China--Beautiful Sichuan" sponsored by the Sichuan Province Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and hosted by the Huaxing Performing Arts Troupe of Chicago. Illinois Governor Rauner’s representative Mr. Thomas Choi, Secretary General Yang Fan of Sichuan Province Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and representatives of the overseas Chinese community in Chicago were among more than 800 audience members in attendance.

In his speech, Acting Consul General Liu Jun, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, wished everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day and thanked the sponsors, organizers, and cast members of "The Greatest Spirit" for their hard work. "The Greatest Spirit" is brought to us by the outstanding actors of the Sichuan Song & Dance Theatre Company. The music, dance, and poetry are skillfully intertwined to give the audience a taste of the unique charm of traditional Sichuanese culture. At present, China-US relations have entered a critical period, and I believe that the US tour of “The Greatest Spirit” will serve to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our countries.

Mr. Thomas Choi said that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the state of Illinois, and he applauded overseas Chinese community for their contributions to the state. He viewed tonight’s wonderful program as a celebration of the deep friendship and cooperation between Illinois and China. Secretary General Yang Fan said that the performance, through the theme of “Discovering the Beauty of China’s Poetry and Drinking Culture,” brought to the overseas Chinese community greetings and blessings from the homeland.

“The Greatest Spirit” colored the evening with a magnificent blend and expression of China’s quintessential arts: poetry, song, and dance. The theater was filled with cheer and applause throughout the performance, which continued to echo off the walls long after its conclusion.

Many audience members said that it was a great pleasure to enjoy such an excellent performance during the time of Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.