In 2024, approximately 14,000 young Americans visited the Chinese mainland for exchange and study programs, marking significant progress towards China's ambitious goal of inviting 50,000 young Americans over the next five years. This initiative, spearheaded by the Young Envoys Scholarship (YES) program, was highlighted by Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng during an event in Washington on Friday.
Ambassador Xie Feng emphasized the importance of these exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bond between Chinese and American youths. \"The initiative has provided an effective platform that brings our youths closer, opened up an important window for better understanding China, and ushered in a new chapter of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples,\" he stated.
The YES program, launched following President Xi Jinping's announcement in San Francisco, aims to facilitate educational and cultural exchanges that bridge the gap between the two nations' young populations. Over the past year, multiple invitations have been extended to American youths, receiving a warm response from communities in the United States.
Despite previous challenges facing people-to-people exchanges, Ambassador Xie remains optimistic about the future, noting that joint efforts continue to yield positive results. He called for ongoing commitment to removing barriers and enhancing collaboration to sustain and expand these vital exchanges.
Encouraging both Chinese and American youths to take an active role, Ambassador Xie highlighted the responsibility of the younger generation in building a stable, sound, and sustainable relationship between China and the United States.
The event, attended by over 300 guests including educators, students, and friends from both countries, featured panel discussions where participants expressed their hopes for continued educational cooperation and the benefits it brings to both nations and the global community.
Reference(s):
Ambassador Xie: About 14,000 young Americans visited China in 2024
cgtn.com
