Last November in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China is willing to invite 50,000 American youths to China for exchange and study over the next five years. Recently, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, stated in an event that China has specifically established the 'Youth Exchange Study Program for American Ambassadors (YES Program).' Over the past year, 14,000 American youths have visited China for exchange and study, building an effective platform for mutual understanding and friendship between young people of the two countries.
At the event, Xie Feng called on American youth to establish an objective and rational 'View of China.'
On the 6th, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. held a themed event on Sino-American youth cultural exchanges. During his speech, Xie Feng mentioned the above news, noting that in recent years, cultural exchanges between young people of the two countries faced 'headwinds and obstacles', but with joint efforts from both sides, many encouraging news have emerged.
He cited examples such as the increase in direct flights between China and the U.S. to 100 flights per week, the U.S. State Department lowering the travel advisory to China to Level 2, and YES program participants receiving free five-year multiple-entry visas, stating, 'However, frankly speaking, these are far from enough.'
Xie Feng expressed hope that the youth of the two countries would take up the baton of history to shoulder responsibility for the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-U.S. relations.
Xie Feng expressed three hopes for American youth: firstly, to become pioneers in establishing a correct understanding. To measure with their own steps, observe with their own eyes, and feel with their own hearts, insisting on independent thinking, breaking fixed mindsets, and forming an objective and rational 'View of China.' Secondly, to be practitioners promoting dialogue and cooperation, welcoming more American youths to participate in the '5-Year 50,000' initiative, becoming good partners and friends with Chinese youths, and encouraging various forms of exchange and cooperation between universities of the two countries. Thirdly, to be pioneers in co-creating a better future, joining hands with Chinese youths to address global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.