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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Beijing Review: The Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program concluded in Shanghai.
BEIJING, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 22, the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program officially came to a close in Shanghai. At the closing ceremony, 25 Chinese and American university students, brought together by the International Student Conferences' 5th China-America Student Conference, came together to revisit their 16-day journey in China—through presentations and shared reflections. While in Shanghai, the delegates visited Fudan University's China Institute, where they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the future of China-U.S. relations with Professor Zhang Weiwei. They also visited the U.S.-China Business Council's Shanghai Office and explored a host of urban landmarks, including the Yu Garden and the Bund. From July 7 to 21, the group traveled across Beijing, Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai. They visited China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. embassy in Beijing and many other institutions, and also took part in a series of dialogues and exchange activities. This event is cohosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conference and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University. Michael Alexander Buzzy Just the ability to connect with so many passionate, intelligent and caring individuals and to work on shared solutions around topics that impact all of us—the ability to work in a cross-cultural manner on bilateral issues for a more hopeful future—was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life, especially through this conference. It has forever left an indelible mark on my soul, and I feel very privileged for the opportunity and honored to have been able to participate. Zhang Chenglin The moment that left the deepest impression on me was our conversation with spokesperson Mao Ning. Li Zeming When I stepped into the Blue Hall for the first time and saw the familiar setting in real life, I was beyond words. Dahlia Townley-Bakewell It might be a bit strange—I've been studying Chinese for six years, but this is my first time visiting Chinese mainland. I've always been very eager to learn more about the country, so I'm truly happy that I finally have the chance to be here and to use the language I've been learning for so long. Henry Frederick Gregory Collins I live in a really small town that has 3,000 people. So being in a city like Shanghai or Beijing is just crazy, and I think it's something that will really stick with me. I don't see this being my last time in China. I'm really excited about the idea of coming back. Hannah Kim My favorite moment was taking one of those shared bicycles and riding down the streets of Shanghai, just going alongside all the cars and motorbikes next to me. It was such a thrilling experience and such a fun time. Nicholas Tristan Sarris I think the most memorable thing was when we were walking around Xi'an in hanfu (traditional attire of the Han Chinese), which I thought was a really nice display of the cross-cultural relationships we're trying to build. Noah Kekoa Candelario The biggest moment for me was going to the Suzhou Museum. I really enjoyed the architecture. I often forget that art and beauty, including architecture, makes me feel relaxed and at home, and that's a feeling I haven't had in a while. Yang Yiting One of the most memorable moments for me was watching The Wandering Earth one evening in Suzhou. We all cried. The fact that we could lose ourselves in an extremely moving cinematic moment was, for me, the highlight of this trip. Krislyn Rose Massey China is a beautiful country, and though I became known for liking all the things most people don't, like douzhi (a fermented mung bean beverage) and snacks that others tend to turn away from. Gina Lynn Egitto I can ask a question on Xiaohongshu and get 400 replies—and that's amazing. But I don't know those people. I don't know their age, their faces, their personalities or where they come from. So it's been incredible to actually meet Chinese students here and also to meet locals. Every single person I've met in China has been so ready to pull out a translation app. They've been so willing to help, to look out for others and to be genuinely personable. Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch I think that's meaningful because it allows me to feel comfortable in a new land and a culture that's very different from my own back home. It lets me be myself and bring out parts of me that I didn't know would be welcomed here. Min Boyuan We believe that communication and exchange between young people can transcend political differences and cultural boundaries. Samuel Ross King What stands out from this trip specifically is the kindness and eagerness of my fellow delegates--both on the American side and the Chinese side. Liu Yuxuan What impressed me the most was talking with the other delegates. When we went into deeper topics, I was really glad they responded with the utmost sincerity. They were all so genuine in sharing their thoughts and perspectives, for which I'm extremely thankful. Erik Michael Larson I think I'll remember the times we spent laughing together, trying new foods together and just the jokes we shared and the fun we had Li Liao The most valuable part of this program, for me, was the friendship it has built. We all got along incredibly well. There are so many fun photos and memes in our Photocircle album. And I think 10 years from now, these are the memories I'll cherish the most. Lily Grace Deyi Berry So looking back on this trip in 10 years, I think what will stand out to me most is the people—just all the friends I've made along the way and everyone I've met. They've all been such good hosts. I think that's what I'll remember most. Wang Yiran This program feels like a true highlight of my life—one of the most beautiful and unforgettable memories I'll ever carry with me. Wang Sirong At the final closing ceremony, Dahlia gave me a bouquet of flowers. It was so unexpected. To me, it encapsulates the most valuable part of this program, which is how people-to-people exchanges between China and U.S. students can leave deep and lasting marks in the long course of history. Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel A lot of people think that, because we're a China-U.S. conference, we're focused on international relations or policies. But the true mission of this conference is people-to-people exchange and heart-to-heart connection. I think that's what really pushed me to persevere through all the difficulties and challenge myself to reach new heights, to move beyond my small town in Tennessee and toward bigger, better things, things that I'm unfamiliar with. Shu Xin This program was initially just a vague idea in my mind—so to see it become a reality fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. Zhu Zeyu Actually, all of us Chinese delegates have been thinking—tomorrow, we might be going to the airport to see them off. And we've already started picturing the scene—the hugs, the tears and the farewells. It is not a sad moment, because we will meet again in the future. Cecil Kenneth Brooks, Jr. Breaking night in Beijing with Xiaofan and Yiran, or balancing soda cans on each other in Xi'an with Chenglin and Zeyu—maybe none of these moments alone will bring or guarantee world peace, but they do guarantee joy today. A rising tide lifts all boats, and the Pacific is already smiling on us. Comments to pengjiawei@ Company Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications Group Contact Person: Peng Jiawei Email: pengjiawei@ Country: People's Republic of China TT: X: YT: FB: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beijing Review: Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing's history and modernity
BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 7-12, 25 young delegates from China and the United States gathered in Beijing for the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program. This cross-Pacific initiative opened a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy, giving American students a deeper and more nuanced view of China, and allowing young voices from both nations to find common ground where history meets modernity. The delegation visited the Blue Hall of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 11, where they attended a live press briefing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning joined the group for an open, face-to-face conversation afterward. "When Ms. Mao walked toward us, I was genuinely thrilled," Gina Egito, a computer science major from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, recalled. She had chosen her seat carefully to observe and take notes. Mao shared a group photo of her with the delegates on her official X account later that night, captioning it, "A delightful exchange with Chinese and American youth." Over the course of the week, the group visited a range of institutions and landmarks, including China Agricultural University (CAU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, as well as innovative tech titans like Tencent and Xiaomi. At CAU, delegates explored China's rural development strategies. At the WFP office, discussions turned to pressing global issues, including food security and South-South cooperation. "I think it's really interesting to see the developing countries working together to collaborate for their shared interest, for their shared problems, because it showcases a sense of camaraderie of being together. I'm really impressed with the WFP and their commitment to sustainable learning, intellectual sharing, and making sure it's accessible, because that's going to make their solutions long term," said Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, a student studying International Affairs and Chinese at East Tennessee State University. At the U.S. Embassy, the group engaged in frank and constructive conversations about the role youth can play in improving bilateral ties and mutual understanding. Cultural immersion was just as impactful. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City, Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch, a master's student in Technology Management at New York University, paused to take photos. "This is my third time in Beijing. I was here last November, and I visited this park at night. So, this is my first time experiencing it during the day. It's really nice to see it in a whole new light—there's such a lively atmosphere with people hanging out, and you can hear the bugs chirping. It's a refreshing, vibrant experience," he said. The group's visits to Tencent and Xiaomi brought the Chinese tech industry to life. At Tencent, delegates explored AI-driven tools and cutting-edge platforms like AI assistant Tencent Yuanbao and the 3D model generator Hunyuan3D. "That's something you can't truly learn from a textbook or a class—you have to be here, see it with your own eyes. It's definitely been an eye-opening experience," Erik Michael Larson, an undergraduate from Indiana University, said after a ride in a Xiaomi vehicle. The program also gave students a taste of everyday life in Beijing—from a boat ride down the gleaming Liangma River to the lively atmosphere of the city's Lotus Market. "When I think about China from what I've learned in class, it's mostly about special holidays or cultural events. But you don't really get to see what daily life is like. Experiencing it firsthand here has been a completely different perspective," said Larson. On the river cruise, a moment of surprise captured the imagination of Wayne State University law student Michael Alexander Buzzy. When a giant 3D screen lit up over the water, he instinctively reached for his camera. "It's incredible to be in a city—and a country—that has such a rich history. I feel like Beijing does a fantastic job of showcasing that, especially through this experience," he said. "For example, when we visited the Forbidden City, we got a deep dive into China's classical history. But in the heart of the city, you also get a real sense of China's modern-day development, technology, and how far it's come. It's been amazing to experience both sides of China in such a short time. I'm really excited for what's still to come." The youth delegation will travel onward to Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Suzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai for further exchanges and site visits from July 12 to 23. In Suzhou, they'll take part in the China-U.S. Future Diplomats summer camp. This program is jointly hosted by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conferences (ISC), and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University. All 25 U.S. and Chinese delegates were selected through the ISC. Comments to pengjiawei@ Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications GroupContact Person: Peng JiaweiEmail: pengjiawei@ Country: People's Republic of China YouTube: Facebook: X: TT: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review
