Amid the historic courtyards of Zhejiang University’s Zhijiang campus, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond found an unexpected parallel to America’s elite institutions. "This reminds me exactly of the Ivy League," he remarked during a stroll with journalist Liu Mohan, highlighting the shared academic spirit bridging cultures. Desmond, attending the U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference, emphasized the enduring value of grassroots diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding.
Reflecting on his sister-city partnership with Jinan, Desmond praised the "extraordinary hospitality" of local residents, underscoring how personal connections can transcend geopolitical tensions. Looking ahead to the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, he voiced measured optimism about the potential for direct dialogue between the U.S. and Chinese leaders. "The world’s two most powerful nations must find common ground," he urged, framing face-to-face diplomacy as critical to navigating complex bilateral challenges.
