Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, watches calisthenics performed by the Chinese and the U.S. student cheerleaders at Beijing No. 8 High School, Beijing, capital of China, September 24, 2024. /Xinhua
In a vibrant gym filled with energy, young students raced and leaped, launching basketballs with excitement. During breaks, spirited cheerleaders in bright red and white dazzled the crowd with high-energy calisthenics, filling the air with applause and laughter.
A lively cultural and sports exchange activity for Chinese and American youth was held at Beijing No. 8 High School on Tuesday afternoon, attended by Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Addressing nearly a hundred teachers and students from over 10 middle schools in Washington state, Peng emphasized that the future of China-U.S. relations lies with the youth. She expressed hope that young people from both countries would get to know each other better via the exchange program and bring positive energy to China-U.S. ties.
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, shakes hands with a student after the group photo at Beijing No. 8 High School, Beijing, capital of China, September 24, 2024. /Xinhua
As the U.S. delegation has been traveling through China, a video showcasing their visits to various locations was presented at the event. Peng praised the visit's rich and diverse itinerary, noting that it fosters profound friendships between American students and their Chinese counterparts, leaving lasting impressions on all involved.
Several American students shared their experiences in China, highlighting how the visit deepened their understanding of various ethnic customs and the rich traditional culture of China.
Logic Amen, assistant principal at Lincoln High School, fondly recalled the visit of President Xi and Peng to the school in 2015. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for Xi's support of youth exchanges and his commitment to promoting mutual understanding between China and the U.S.
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, watches the China-U.S. youth basketball friendly match together with foreign and Chinese guests at Beijing No. 8 High School, Beijing, capital of China, September 24, 2024. /Xinhua
In November 2023, Xi announced in San Francisco an initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over the next five years. This initiative aims to welcome more young U.S. friends to explore China and become new ambassadors of friendship between the two nations.
Mia Koepfer, a student from Brigham Young University in Utah, who visited China in July, shared her experience with China Media Group. She said the pictures of China online are beautiful, but seeing it in person was ten times more amazing.
"I shared photos with my friends back home, and they were all blown away. China's development has truly opened our eyes," said the student. She also expressed her admiration for China's ancient civilization.
"The future of China-U.S. relations rests on the young people," Peng told the visiting students and teachers. She encouraged American students to share their experiences with family, friends, and classmates upon returning home, carrying the friendship of the Chinese people with them and nurturing the "tree of friendship" between the two nations.