The largest-ever China-US youth exchange event since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries has helped young people from both countries enhance mutual understanding and solidify friendships, writing new chapters in the evolving story of China-American ties.
Over 500 Chinese and American youths gathered in Fuzhou, capital city of east China's Fujian Province, from June 23 to 28 to participate in the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival." More than 200 of the participants were from the United States.
Throughout the week, Chinese and American youths engaged in various interactive activities, including thematic dialogues, round-table discussions, and vibrant youth markets, all aimed at enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
Kuliang, or Guling in Mandarin, was a popular summer resort for expatriates in Fuzhou more than a century ago. It has long been a symbol of the deepening bond between Chinese and American people. The youths, by reliving the story of Kuliang, sought to pass on its legacy of friendship.
"When Premier Zhou Enlai met with them (American table tennis team members), he said, your coming has opened the door to new exchanges between the people of China and the United States," said Tang Wensheng, former vice chairman of the Chinese Overseas Chinese Federation, also then Chinese interpreter during Henry Kissinger's visit to China in 1971.
For first-time visitor Peng Herui from Brigham Young University in Utah, the insights shared by those who have witnessed China-US relations firsthand were deeply moving.
Influenced by her mother, Peng learned Chinese at a young age and fell in love with Chinese culture. When her school announced the opportunity to visit China for the youth exchange activities, she signed up immediately, calling it a "dream-fulfilling journey."
"In the past few days, I have met some good friends who invited me to visit their different provinces. Then I also invited them to come to the United States. I think these exchanges allow us to better understand each other's culture," Peng said.
Taking every opportunity to communicate with her Chinese friends in Chinese, Peng experienced the culture firsthand. As she approaches graduation, she has decided to study in China next fall.
"I myself hope that China-US relations can get better, and I need to start. It takes someone to come here, learn, and start cultivating new relationships and friendships. If I'm going to ask someone else to do it, I have to do it myself," she said.
Unlike Peng, Louie from Texas has been living in China for 15 years. From undergraduate to PhD to university lecturer, Louie has realized his dreams in China. He recommended his friends come to Guling to share the story of "peace, friendship, and love."
"They (American friends) kept asking why I have been in China for so long, sometimes not returning to the US for three or four years. Because I am very comfortable in China and like it very much. I told them the country is good and they should see for themselves. There is a saying in the United States that 'the youths are the future.' I can see more, learn more about China, and understand the stories between China and the United States," said Louie, Secretary General of the International Alumni Association of China's University of International Business and Economics (UIBE).
Chris West, Louie's friend and a young American, also shared his thoughts about promoting China-US friendship.
"We look through the documentary, we looked through the city and we thought it would be a great experience because this is our first time coming to China, so it really comes to mind friendship. So how, this friendship can go on and off for years and years to come. And it makes me think more on a global scale about how US and China can continue to friendship," he said.
Today, the bond between China and the United States continues to thrive. At the Youth Roundtable, participants discussed shared interests such as artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They also collaborated on artistic performances and planted saplings in Kuliang as a symbol of their growing friendship.
As the new generation of "Friends of Guling" from the United States acquaint themselves with China, they continue to weave new chapters into the ever-evolving "Guling story".
"I expected if we work together, especially as the youth, that we can build more bridges and both countries can become more successful together," said David Parkinson, a student at the University of Michigan.
"I hope that the young people that I brought here from America have an opportunity to experience and to learn and make lasting friendships that they can carry with them for the rest of their lifetime. I also believe that if we give our young people an opportunity now, in the long run, our world will be a much better place," said Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, Washington, USA.
The year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-US diplomatic relations.
Enduring China-US friendship blossoms through largest-ever youth exchange event
