The 2025 Kuliang Forum, held in New York, brought together descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang, Fujian province, to celebrate and strengthen the enduring bonds between China and the United States. Organized by People’s Daily Digital Communication, the event, themed ‘Echoes of History — Peaceful Development through Mutual Success for Better Lives,’ highlighted the historical and cultural connections that continue to inspire bilateral relations. The forum traced the legacy of Kuliang, a summer retreat for Americans in the early 20th century, and expanded its narrative to include the Flying Tigers, cultural exchanges, and modern-day collaborations. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng emphasized the importance of shared friendship, stating, ‘The bonds that have transcended time and space continue to inspire us till this day.’ He praised the ‘Friends of Kuliang,’ a group of descendants who have revisited their ancestral ties to the region, as a testament to the enduring spirit of cross-cultural understanding. Yu Shaoliang, President of People’s Daily, underscored the forum’s mission to promote China-US friendship and constructive interaction, particularly among younger generations. Personal stories, such as those of Gordon Trimble and Priscilla Brewster Gill, illustrated the deep emotional and familial connections to Kuliang. Trimble, a ‘Kuliang Friend’ and educator, highlighted the role of Kuliang in fostering global citizenship, while Gill shared her lifelong affection for the place she calls home. The forum concluded with a call for continued cooperation and mutual respect, emphasizing that the shared history of Kuliang serves as a foundation for future collaboration between the two nations.