CGTN documentary: Sport forges enduring people-to-people ties for China-US relations

People-to-people exchange creates an environment ... making it easier for our political leaders to come together.

– Judy Hoarfrost, ping-pong diplomat

Amid rapid global changes and profound international shifts, China-US relations face severe challenges, including a trust deficit and perception gaps. As a universal language transcending borders, cultures and political divisions, sport has long served as an important bridge for friendship and understanding.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed that the foundation of China-US relations is laid by the people, and its future will be forged by the youth. He also highlighted sport's unique role in cross-cultural communication. To mark the 55th anniversary of China-US Ping-Pong Diplomacy and advance the initiative to invite 50,000 American youth to China over five years, CGTN has produced a documentary, The Silver Ball: A Journey Beyond.

The documentary revisits the historic events of 1971 and what became known as Ping-Pong Diplomacy. It then explores how sport continues to connect people today. Through table tennis, martial arts and pickleball, it tells the stories of exchanges between Chinese and American people, especially the younger generation. It shows how grassroots interaction nurtures friendship, eases differences and builds mutual trust, demonstrating sport's unique power to rise above race, nationality and ideology.

Jointly produced by Chinese and US teams, the documentary is directed by CGTN North America correspondent Dan Williams and filmed across major cities in both countries. A touching highlight is the reunion of ping-pong diplomats Liang Geliang and Judy Hoarfrost at Beijing's Capital Indoor Stadium, where they competed together 55 years ago.

The film features exclusive interviews with key witnesses and participants. Liang Geliang, Zheng Minzhi, Judy Hoarfrost and Connie Sweeris – all participants of the 1971 exchange – recalled the historic event and emphasized that people-to-people friendship remains essential. Zheng Minzhi noted that the spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy must be passed onto younger generations to maintain vitality.

The documentary also focuses on youth exchanges, particularly pickleball, which has become a new bond between Chinese and American teenagers. Jeffrey Sullivan, leader of a US student delegation, wrote to President Xi in 2025 to express gratitude for the youth exchange initiative. In his reply, President Xi praised pickleball as a new link for friendship. Sullivan said sport builds emotional ties and lays a solid foundation for state-to-state relations.