Young delegates connect through culture

"The automation at the Xiaomi factory and the digital innovations at Tencent completely overturned my prior perception of China's tech industry," Larson says with excitement. "These experiences were more vivid and impactful than any classroom case study."

A central component of the exchange was the China-US Future Diplomats Summer Camp, designed to deepen participants' understanding of diplomatic systems in both countries. Through simulated discussions, delegates tackled topics like bilateral trade, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence.

"This is a student-led project," says Shu Xin, secretary-general of the camp and a Chinese student delegate. "Through communication and discussion, Chinese and American youth have developed a deeper understanding of each other and overcome many previous stereotypes."

Since 2009, China has been the top source of international students in the US for 15 consecutive years. According to the Open Doors 2023 report, during the 2022-23 academic year, 289,000 Chinese students accounted for 27.4 percent of all international students in American colleges and universities. At the same time, a growing number of American students are choosing to study, intern, or participate in cultural exchange programs in China.

Despite fluctuations in China-US relations, young people have consistently brought warmth and optimism to bilateral ties. In a world of rising uncertainty, such dialogue is more vital than ever, notes Yu Yunquan, vice-president of CICG.