Chinese President Xi Jinping Makes First Visit to Tacoma on September 23

Tacoma, Wash. - Twenty one years after he personally witnessed the establishment of Tacoma's Sister Cities relationship with Fuzhou as Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fuzhou Municipal People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping will make his first visit to Tacoma, Wash. on Sept. 23. 

"Tacoma is an international port city with strong ties to China. Since 1994, our cities have both benefited from a variety of educational, cultural and sports exchanges, and Tacoma has hosted at least 30 delegations from Fuzhou," said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. "We look forward to President Xi Jinping's visit to strengthen our educational, cultural and business relationships with China."

A delegation from Fuzhou visited Tacoma in 2010 to guide and assist with the construction of the Fuzhou Ting in the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park. The Ting was completed the following year and has since become a unique landmark and cultural attraction on Tacoma's waterfront. 

During his visit to Tacoma, President Xi will visit Lincoln High School with his wife, Peng Liyuan. 

Lincoln High School and the Affiliated High School of Fuzhou Institute of Education signed a memorandum of understanding in 2008 to promote faculty, student, cultural and sports exchanges. Several Lincoln High School teachers and Tacoma school district administrators have visited Fuzhou for professional exchanges and to teach during breaks. Lincoln High School also has an active Sister City Club.