NEW YORK -- Over 300 Chinese and Americans held here a cruise party on Friday night on the occasion of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations.

The event was held on the deck of a cruise ship on the Hudson River, offering the guests a tour to enjoy the night view of Manhattan and the full moon.

In a welcome speech, Zhang Fuyin, president of Henan Chinese Associates USA, Inc., a major sponsor of the party, said great achievement has been scored through China-U.S. cooperation over the past 40 years.

Chinese people living in the United States, as contributors to and beneficiaries of this relationship, should work as positive factors in keeping the relationship on the right track as it has come to a crossroads today, Zhang said.

William Colton, a New York State assemblyman, gave his best wishes to the Chinese people on the traditional festival of family reunion.

It is to the benefit of both nations and the entire world that China and the United States of America learn more about each other, and enjoy each other's traditions, culture and holidays, said Colton.

Noting that there may be "some individual squabbles that occur here and there" in bilateral ties, Colton said he still believes that "by talking to each other and working together, we will accomplish what has really been happening for forty years."

Liang Guanjun, president of the United Chinese Association of Eastern U.S. Inc., also expressed his hope that the China-U.S. relations could remain stable for generations to come, as it is closely related to global stability.

"I also wish that China, our motherland, could become increasingly powerful and achieve continued prosperity, which provide the strongest support to overseas Chinese," he added.

The celebration was organized by over two dozen Chinese American groups from across the United States.