China, U.S. cooperation have saved 9,000 jobs and created over 400,000 jobs in the U.S. major port of Boston, Ambassador Qin Gang said on Friday, wearing a U.S. labor union jacket presented by U.S. International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). He was also given a Plaque of Recognition by Massport at the Chinese embassy in the U.S. 

“Thank you for bringing some fresh air in Washington DC to me. The honor you present to me belongs to Chinese companies.” Qin said. 

20 years ago, China’s COSCO Shipping opened a direct vessel service to Boston, at a time when the historical Port of Boston was put on the verge of closure, and many workers faced job losses.

Qin called COSCO’s work with Boston port “an example of the win-win economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”