"I think the values that are embodied in the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, are 5Hs, that is 'home, hope, health, harmony and happiness,'" Zhao said.
"These are universal values cherished by peoples around the world, that is a major reason why the Spring Festival is more and more popular in the U.S. and the world," he said.
The concert was made possible because of the decades of fruitful culture and music exchanges between China and the West including the United States, the veteran diplomat noted.
"Chinese orchestras are introducing the best western classic music to China. They are bringing China's best to the world. Music brings people together," Zhao said.
