A cultural exchange event at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, marked the 55th anniversary of the historic China-U.S. 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy' this week. The February 3 gathering highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
China Media Group President Shen Haixiong emphasized in a video address that mutual understanding remains vital for bilateral relations. 'The hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and its future rests with the youth,' he stated, calling for renewed collaboration in cultural exchanges.
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng recalled how the 1971 table tennis exchanges 'unlocked the pathway to friendly relations.' He expressed optimism that current bilateral cooperation could yield 'more tangible benefits for both peoples,' guided by leadership from both countries.
The event featured table tennis exhibitions and student dialogues, continuing the legacy of sports diplomacy that first thawed Cold War-era tensions. Participants discussed plans for future youth exchange programs through 2026.
