Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that friendship between people is key to sound state-to-state relations. In a recent letter to American university students, Xi encouraged them to promote mutual understanding and affinity between people of the two countries. He believes that young people carry the future and hope of China-US relations. Xi's emphasis on people-to-people bonds extends beyond the younger generation, as he has stayed in touch with old friends in Iowa since his maiden trip to the US in 1985.
During his 2023 trip to San Francisco for the APEC leaders' meeting, Xi announced an initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over the next five years. By May this year, that goal had been reached two and a half years ahead of schedule. Many participants have written to Xi, thanking him for the opportunity to see China for themselves and forge friendships with their Chinese peers. Xi has encouraged young people from both countries to become "envoys of friendship" bridging the Pacific.
A 2026 Reagan Institute Summer Survey found that younger Americans were significantly less likely to view China as a major threat to the United States. This trend suggests that people-to-people diplomacy may be contributing to a more positive perception of China among young Americans. Xi's approach to fostering greater understanding between the two nations has been multifaceted, including correspondence with veterans of World War II's Flying Tigers.
Xi has also maintained connections with his old friends in Iowa, whom he first met during his 1985 trip to the US. He has encouraged people-to-people interactions, stating that "we should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people interactions." This approach is aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Another story of friendship across the Pacific has gone viral online, highlighting the impact of people-to-people diplomacy. In 1999, American teacher Ronald Sakolsky donated $5,000 to support Chinese woman Yin Yuzhen's tree-planting efforts to combat desertification in north China's Inner Mongolia. With the funds, Yin went on to cultivate a forest of more than 50,000 trees.
When Sakolsky and Yin reunited in China in August, he was asked what message he wanted to take home to the US. His answer was: "Bridge." This anecdote illustrates the lasting impact of people-to-people connections and the potential for grassroots diplomacy to foster greater understanding between nations.
As Xi prepares for his US visit, his emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy is likely to be a key aspect of his engagement with American leaders. By promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations, Xi aims to build a stronger foundation for China-US relations. The success of his initiative to invite young Americans to China suggests that people-to-people diplomacy may be an effective way to foster greater cooperation between the two nations.
Key points
- Xi Jinping emphasizes people-to-people diplomacy as key to sound state-to-state relations with the US.
- China has reached its goal of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs two and a half years ahead of schedule.
- People-to-people diplomacy may be contributing to a more positive perception of China among young Americans.
