Peng Liyuan, spouse of Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in strengthening cross-cultural ties during a China-U.S. friendship exchange event in Beijing on Thursday. Addressing young representatives from both nations, she urged them to become "inheritors of friendship" and "promoters of peace,\" fostering mutual understanding amid global challenges.
The event, hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, highlighted President Xi's 2023 initiative to invite 50,000 American youths to China for exchanges and study programs over five years. Peng noted that many U.S. students have already participated, gaining firsthand experiences of Chinese culture and society. "Though our histories and languages differ,\" she said, "our shared values of kindness and hard work form a bridge for collaboration.\"
American attendees echoed Peng's sentiments, pledging to serve as "ambassadors of goodwill\" between the two countries. The dialogue underscored youth-driven diplomacy as a cornerstone for stabilizing bilateral relations, with participants discussing cross-cultural education and collaborative innovation.
As geopolitical tensions persist, such grassroots exchanges signal a commitment to long-term cooperation. Peng's remarks reinforced China's focus on "people-to-people connectivity\" as a strategic priority, aligning with broader efforts to deepen economic and cultural partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
