Adopted Chinese children learn about China with American parents

More than 20 children adopted from China and their American parents gathered at the residence of Chinese Consul General in Houston Li Qiangmin on Saturday to learn about China.

Corona, California, USA - Craig and Martha Johnson pose on the front porch of their Corona home with their five Chinese adopted children, pictured from left, Emma, 9, Kristin, 18, Lia, 13, Sean, 9, and Cole, 8 on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. [File Photo: IC]

At the event, Li delivered a speech, extending greetings to all the American families and their children. He praised the American families for giving love to the Chinese children and enabling them to live a happy life.

Several Chinese diplomats from the consulate spoke with the families about Chinese history, culture, education and economy, encouraging them to visit China to see with their own eyes.

Susie Mitchem, 56, adopted two Chinese boys in November 2015 when they were 12 and 13, respectively. She told Xinhua she decided to adopt Chinese children because of the unique culture.

"The children from China are very well-educated, very well cared for and your society is very polite and respectful, which is how I raised my children to be polite and respectful to other people," she said.

Mitchem believed the highly intertwined economies and engagement between the United States and China provide opportunities for her adopted children to have a bright future.

"We have so much interaction with China. A company would be thrilled to have a kid who can understand the Chinese culture and people," she said. "I'm really excited for their future."

According to figures provided by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. families adopted about 81,600 Chinese children from 1999 to 2018.