China's top diplomat in Northern California, joined by US elected officials and community representatives, pledged on Tuesday to continue building a strong, dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and San Francisco.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, San Francisco held a China national flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared Oct 1 as Chinese American Friendship and Heritage Day.

Zhang Jianmin, China's consul general in San Francisco, said that this year marked the third time he has attended a flag-raising event to celebrate China's National Day.

"The more I do it, the more I love it, because the more I am here (in City Hall), the more I appreciate the value of friendship," said Zhang.

"Today is a momentous day; it's a day of joy and pride for every Chinese," said Zhang. "We are proud because of the profound changes taking place in China during (the past) 75 years.

"We have built China from a weak and poor country into the world's second-largest economy," he said. "A total of 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty. The entire nation of 1.4 billion now enjoys a life of modern prosperity."

More importantly, "we are still working very hard. We will further our efforts to deepen reform," Zhang added.

Saying the ceremony captured the "essence of San Francisco as an open, inclusive and welcoming city", Zhang said the moment also reflected a strong commitment by San Francisco to building a "strong and enduring friendship and collaboration with China".

The mayor, who visited China in April on a multi-city agenda, said her delegation has struck significant deals for tourism and economic growth opportunities with some of China's most economically vibrant cities, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Moreover, she has signed a memorandum of understanding with China detailing panda conservation-collaboration programs.

"Panda is not only the little cute cuddly bear, it's mainly about friendship, about our deep ties," Breed said, adding that the city is excited to host China's pandas next year.

China and San Francisco enjoy an enduring friendship, said the mayor adding that this year also marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of sister-city relations with Shanghai.

In 1979, then-San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein visited Shanghai and agreed with municipal officials on the cultivation of "this long-lasting friendship".

Willie Brown, former mayor of San Francisco, is a staunch advocate for China-US friendship. He said the relationship has benefited both sides, and there is great potential. "I only hope it gets better and better and better," he said.

To carry on and elevate the existing friendship, the young generation needs to carry the torch. In summer, high school students from across San Francisco flew to China to explore the nation, to foster cross-cultural understanding between China and the US, and to bring back fond memories, said Zhang.

Daphne Fang, chair of the San Francisco Sister City Committee, helped orchestrate a people-to-people exchanges program that sent 10 high school students in San Francisco to Shanghai.

"The participation of San Francisco high school youth in friendship summer camps in Shanghai will enhance cultural understanding and friendship, echoing across borders and generations," she said.

junechang@chinadailyusa.com