The opening ceremony of the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future, held in Beijing on July 8 (COURTESY PHOTO)  

A cross-cultural initiative aimed at deepening understanding between young people from China and the United States was officially launched in Beijing on July 8.  

The program, titled “Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future,” held its opening ceremony at the Beijing International Club, kicking off a multi-city exchange tour that will bring together young voices from both nations.  

Organized by the International Student Conferences' (ISC) 5th China-America Student Conference (ChASC5), a delegation of 25 young participants from China and the U.S. will travel from Beijing to Xi’an, Suzhou and Shanghai over the next two weeks for site visits and dialogue sessions. In Suzhou, they will also partake in the Future China-U.S. Diplomats summer camp.  

“Young people can lead with clarity, speak with conviction and reach across oceans to build understanding where policy often falls short,” said Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, Chair of the Executive Committee for the ChASC5 and a student at East Tennessee State University, in the opening remarks she delivered on behalf of the youth delegation.  

“As we embark on this journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou and Shanghai, we do so not as passive observers, but as active participants in the shaping of our shared future,” Nieves-Noel said. “Each city, each conversation, each challenge will be an opportunity to stretch our thinking and strengthen our bonds.” 

The program is co-hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based ISC and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi’an Jiaotong University. Its mission is to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote dialogue and lay a stronger foundation for long-term bilateral relations through direct youth engagement. 

CICG Vice President Yu Yunquan said that while China-U.S. relations have experienced ups and downs over the years, young people on both sides have consistently brought warmth and hope to the bilateral relationship. He emphasized that the world is entering a period of heightened uncertainty and transformation, with history once again standing at a crossroads—making dialogue among youth more important than ever. 

“The future is full of unknowns—and possibilities,” Yu said. “I hope young people will remain open-minded and inclusive, committed to cooperation and mutual benefit. By bridging differences in language and culture, you can stand together and contribute your strength to the peace and prosperity of both our nations—and the world at large.” 

Kurt Tong, former U.S. Ambassador to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Chair of the Executive Committee of the ISC Board and Managing Partner of The Asia Group, shared his personal experience participating in the ISC program in 1984–85.  

He recalled that some of his most enduring friendships were formed during that time, and expressed confidence that this initiative would serve as a meaningful milestone in the lives of today’s youth—opening the door to lasting connections. 

“It’s an opportunity for students to be leaders as well as listeners,” Tong said. “Because the fundamental philosophy of this conference and what will make it successful this year and in future years is the willingness to listen, to be open, to be respectful and to sincerely want to know the person you are speaking with.” 

Li Yafang, President of the CICG Center for the Americas, said that communication is key to breaking down barriers, fostering mutual understanding, and building genuine connections that transcend time, distance and national borders. 

“Communication can break down barriers, deepen mutual understanding, and foster genuine and enduring friendships that transcend time, space, and borders,” she said. “I believe this shared journey will plant seeds of friendship in each of you. One day, they will blossom into great friendship across the pacific, enduring bonds that unite our nations and shape our shared future.” 

Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, a think tank based in China, welcomed the arrival of the American youth delegation. “I’m so happy to see you, the representatives of younger people in the United States, coming to see China with your own eyes,” he said. “We should always remain brothers and sisters. We want to build our common future, not only for China and the United States, but also for humanity as a whole.” 

Delegates from China and the U.S. perform songs from both countries at the opening ceremony in Beijing on July 8 (COURTESY PHOTO)     

The ceremony included musical performances by the youth delegates, who sang the Mandarin song Beijing Welcomes You and the American evergreen Sweet Caroline. 

Two panel discussions followed, focusing on educational cooperation and the future economy. Participants and attendees alike exchanged views on pressing issues such as technological innovation and artificial intelligence governance, bringing fresh perspectives on global challenges and the evolving China-U.S. dynamic.    

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon  

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