International Desk: “The hope for China-U.S. relations lies within the people and the future of the younger generation.” On January 7, in a heartfelt reply to letters from teachers and students of a U.S. youth education exchange delegation, President Xi Jinping called on more American youth to become ambassadors of a new generation of friendship between the two countries. This response, crossing the Pacific, reflects his deep expectations for the next generation to take responsibility in advancing China-U.S. friendship and provides a warm acknowledgment of young Americans’ growing interest in visiting China.

Since the launch of the initiative “50,000 U.S. Youth to Visit China in Five Years,” more than 40,000 young Americans have actively participated. Behind these numbers are stories of sincere friendship, countless windows into real China, and continuous efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties. Xi Jinping noted that this clearly demonstrates that friendly exchanges and cooperation are an innate desire of the peoples of China and the United States.

Sports exchanges have strengthened ties. Over the past two years, many U.S. youth have taken courses in Qigong, Patuanchin, and Taijiquan in China, while participating in basketball, table tennis, and baseball activities. Following the footsteps of the 1971 U.S. ping-pong team visit, students and teachers from the University of Virginia have exchanged skills with Chinese college students, continuing the spirit of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy.” Youth pickleball teams from Maryland have traveled to Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, building friendships through the game, making pickleball a new bridge for China-U.S. youth exchanges.

Immersion in culture deepens mutual understanding. Experiences like making Beijing roast duck, dumplings, and spring rolls, trying the “Taste of Chinese Culture” test, practicing Chinese calligraphy, learning paper-making, or wearing traditional Hanfu clothing allow American youth to feel the pulse of Chinese civilization. Visits to iconic sites—from the Forbidden City in Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and Yu Garden in Shanghai—offered a vivid, firsthand appreciation of China. Colin, a student from Muscatine Middle School in Iowa, said, “The architectural details are so exquisite. Chinese culture is truly remarkable.”

Exchanges and mutual learning root friendships. From the “Yangtze-Mississippi Youth Roundtable” focused on green development to the “Cooling Yuan” China-U.S. Youth Exchange Week on climate change, and on-the-ground research visits to Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangsu, young representatives from both countries have inspired a spirit of knowledge sharing. This real, three-dimensional understanding of China has left a lasting impression on the growing number of American youth.

Young people are the future. Through mutual engagement, a richer landscape of China-U.S. cultural exchange is gradually emerging. Understanding and friendship grow, helping both sides mature together. The “50,000 Youth in Five Years” initiative has become a key driver, expanding the breadth and depth of exchanges and establishing a strong foundation of public support for the long-term development of China-U.S. relations.

Various forms of cultural exchange—including studying in China, student exchanges, and international summer schools—play a vital role in enhancing understanding, reducing misconceptions, and building consensus among American youth. These experiences help break mental barriers and form an objective, rational “China perspective.” Tofi Omisola, a student from Columbia University, said, “The more we come to China and exchange with Chinese students, the more we learn about China. We can bring fresh perspectives back to our peers in the U.S.”

President Xi emphasized that more American youth should participate in China-U.S. friendship initiatives, becoming a new generation of friendship ambassadors. His vision guides the direction of China-U.S. youth exchanges. People-to-people engagement requires joint stewardship to maintain momentum, ensuring that this vital flow continues to nourish future generations. Through these exchanges, young people from both countries become leaders of cultural collaboration, composing a symphony of understanding, trust, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Source: Swarna Alim Lily, China Media Group.