On April 18, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Vancouver hosted a reception celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Guangzhou and Vancouver. Consul General Yang Shu, Director General of Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau Liu Yumei, Privy Councillor Alice Wong, BC Minister of Citizens Services George Chow, MLA Paul Choi and Hon Chan, over 60 representatives from all walks of life in BC attended the event and watched the performance with more than 600 audience.

In his address, Consul General Yang Shu highlighted the substantive achievements in bilateral cooperation since the establishment of the sister city relationship. He expressed expectations for both cities to further explore new dimensions of partnership and enhance China-Canada local-level friendly exchanges. The guests reviewed the friendly exchanges between the two cities and expressed their congratulations.

Consul General Yang outlined the Chinese government's position on the recent tariff abuse initiated by the United States. Yang noted that the U.S. wages a tariff war, placing its own interests above those of the international community, which severely hurts the interests of the rest of the world. China stands ready to work with the international community to defend international trade rules, fairness and justice.