By Xiao Wu, iChongqing news.

Chongqing - On August 2, after exchanging ideas with Chongqing government officials on cooperation and communication in economy, trade, education, culture and tourism, the delegation of Mayors and Assembly Members from California paid a visit to Stilwell Museum, the former residence of the United States Army General, Joseph W. Stilwell, who served in China Burma India Theater during WWII.

The delegation of Mayors and Assembly Members from California at Stilwell Museum in Chongqing.

The delegation at Stilwell Museum in Chongqing. 

“We chose to visit Chongqing because it is a fast-growing municipality directly under the Central Government and also here the delegation can find that the friendship between Chongqing and the US that traces back many years ago.” Said Mr. Simon C. Pang, the president of US Sino Friendship Association, one of the organizers of the trip. He continued, “Most of the delegation members come to China for the first time. They can personally witness China and feel the history instead of getting to know China only through media like they used to.” Mr. Pang said that during the trip, many members came to him to share their good impressions on Chongqing. “They are glad that we bring them here in Chongqing. They knew Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou before, but not Chongqing. This time, they visited Chongqing, and would like to come back again for a lot of reasons such as the food and the beautiful sceneries here.”

Mr. Simon C. Pang, the president of US Sino Friendship Association. 

Mr. Drew Boyles, Mayor of El Segundo was among the delegation. After visiting the museum, he shared his impression on the visit with iChongqing. “The museum has a profound effect on me, getting a better understanding of how far back our relationship goes, working together to fight evil. I appreciate and understand that history.” Mr. Boyles said. He also believes that there is great potential for Chongqing and El Segundo to cooperate. “Our city is involved in sectors such as airspace, BioMed and high-tech. And we could learn from Chinese in terms of efficiency, transportation, and how to optimize so many people.” As a positive result delivered during the delegation's trip to Chongqing, El Segundohas signed the Friendly Cooperation Memo with Dadukou District of Chongqing to pave the way for further cooperation in various fields. “Dadukou District is taking the legacy of industry and transforming it into new tech innovation. We do the same thing. Our city is 100 years old and transforms ourselves into high tech. We have a lot in common.” Said Mr. Boyles.

Mr.Drew Boyles, Mayor of El Segundo, took the interview with iChongqing.

It is the first time for Ms. Sydney Kamlager-Dove,  the Assembly Member from California,  to visit Chongqing. Inspired by the visit, she has decided to carry out further steps back to California. “I’m amazed at the high level of unemployment here. Everyone seems to have a job and contribute to the economy. Everyone has housing. And homeless is a major issue we are dealing with. When I go back to California, I plan to hold Housing roundtable to talk on how to increase housing supply and how to integrate that ( have all people to work ) into running the state. " Said She.

Ms.Sydney Kamlager-Dove,  the Assembly Member from California, at Stilwell Museum in Chongqing, China.

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