SEATTLE, United States, Sept. 23  -- Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced hopes here Wednesday that the Chinese community in the United States can contribute more to the Sino-American friendship.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese community, Xi praised the unremitting efforts of the Chinese Americans to advance the relations between China and the United States since the two countries forged diplomatic ties over three decades ago.

The president expressed wishes that they can actively integrate themselves in the U.S. mainstream society, abide by local laws, respect local customs, get along well with people of other races and help promote the social and economic development of local communities.

He hoped they can help boost China-U.S. cooperation and lend positive momentum to the bilateral relations.

In addition, he hoped they can popularize the Chinese culture, deepen American people's understanding about China and consolidate public support for bilateral ties.

He said that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, and the two sides will make their "cake of common interests" bigger and bigger so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

The president also briefed the overseas Chinese about domestic situation, saying that Chinese people are now closer to the goal of achieving great national rejuvenation than in any period in history.

"I believe the Chinese community in the United States can surely make unique contributions to this great process," he stressed. Enditem