Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has issued a compelling appeal for Washington to faithfully implement the bilateral agreements reached during the October summit between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. Speaking at the 2026 China-US Youth Spring Festival Gala held at the Chinese embassy, Ambassador Xie emphasized that youth exchanges represent the fundamental cornerstone of Sino-American relations.
The diplomatic address highlighted remarkable progress in intercultural collaboration throughout the past year, with thousands of students participating in scientific innovation programs, athletic competitions, and educational partnerships. Ambassador Xie revealed that many participants described their exchange experiences as ‘life-changing,’ enabling them to break free from information cocoons and dispel longstanding misconceptions about each other’s nations.
Citing the critical importance of the bilateral relationship, Xie characterized youth exchanges as ‘spring plowing’ that instills vitality into diplomatic relations. The ambassador specifically referenced President Xi’s November 2023 ‘50,000 in Five Years’ initiative, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs. Current participation has already exceeded 40,000 students, creating significant people-to-people connections.
The event featured prominent supporters including Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, who emphasized that people-to-people exchange constitutes ‘not a side project but a cornerstone’ of bilateral relations. Practical examples of successful exchanges included Montgomery County Public Schools’ ‘pickleball diplomacy’ program and University of Wyoming hockey teams conducting joint clinics and competitions in China, resulting in lasting personal connections that participants maintain through daily communication.
Ambassador Xie concluded by advocating for enhanced collaboration in cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green energy development, positioning the next generation as leaders in addressing global challenges through cooperative innovation.