On Feb 21, Chinese Consul General Xu Erwen met with Congressman Pete Olson. Congressman's District Director Mr. Nelson, Consul Chu Kaimin, Consul Zhou Yujiang and representatives from the local Chinese community in Houston were present.

Consul General Xu briefed Congressman Olson with the latest development of China-US relations and Vice President Xi Jinping's recent official visit to the US. She said that, at a time when the bilateral relationship has entered a new phase of development, Vice President Xi's successful visit further promoted the China-US cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, advanced mutual strategic trust, consolidated pragmatic cooperation and deepened understanding and friendship. Consul General Xu also stressed that the southern states of the US have strengthened their exchanges and cooperation with China in all fields in recent years. For example, the bilateral trade between China and Texas exceeded 40 billion USD in year 2010, and two-way investments were also on the rise. Consul General Xu expressed her appreciation to Congressman Olson for his strong support to the development of China-US relations and the growth of local Chinese community. She looks forward to working with Congressman Olson to make more contributions in deepening the friendship between the two countries as well as boosting the all-round exchanges and cooperation.

Congressman Olson thanked Consul General Xu for her introduction. He emphasized that the development of a friendly China-US relationship is beneficial to both sides. He will continue his effort in supporting the friendly exchanges between the two countries in all fields and expand the bilateral cooperation. Houston benefits from its cooperation with China and is looking forward to further strengthening the trade and culture exchanges. The widening of Panama Canal in 2014 will bring Houston and its surrounding areas more business opportunities with Asia, especially China. He welcomes more Chinese investment in this region, especially in infrastructure construction projects.

Congressman Olson and Chinese community representatives also expressed their eagerness for an early establishment of direct flight from Houston to China.