A delegation from the United States is in China this week as part of an international exchange program. They're members of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, which is affiliated to the US State Department. Their visit is to mark the 40th anniversary of its links to a similar group in China, called the All-China Youth Federation. They all attended a special symposium in Beijing on Monday, where they exchanged ideas and opinions on current affairs.

When it comes to the current China-US tensions, any kind of rational dialogue is welcome.

And these Chinese and American representatives from political circles, academic and business sectors certainly understand what's at stake, allowing a spirit of cooperation and respect to reign throughout the proceedings. Many attendees said they felt encouraged by the tone of the dialogue, and it left them feeling confident about the road ahead.

AMBASSADOR JULIA CHANG BLOCH PRESIDENT, US-CHINA EDUCATION TRUST "We must, through continuing people-to-people exchanges, continue the kind of partnership between ACYPL and ACYF, that we will once again return back to normal, hopefully."

China and the US are also celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations this year, such has been the strength of their bond, a remarkable rise has been witnessed in people-to-people and cultural relations.

This is evident by the large amount of sister cities between the two countries, while more than 14,000 people cross the Pacific every day.

However, the US decided recently to impose visa restrictions on some of these students. It also reviewed and revoked the visas of some Chinese citizens.

The US delegates said it was critical that education was not affected too much by the trade tensions.

DAVID EDMUND BLACK DIRECTOR, COAL MARKETING SALES UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD "The boundaries of education don't exist, globalization affected education, just like it affected business. so I would image that will continue, despite any specific disagreements that may come up. I think that will come a strong way just as it has over the past forty years."

KENNETH GROSS TRUSTEE MEMBER OF ACYPL "I certainly hope that students from China will be able to continue to come to the US and study, it would be disappointing if that doesn't continue, because I think those bonds are created, and those are life-changing experiences."

SU YUTING BEIJING "The Chinese attendees stressed how much value they place on international youth exchanges, and other education and people-to-people cooperation, with all countries, including the US. However, they added that sincerity should not be one-way, and the interactions should be based on mutual respect and non-confrontation. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."