"The feeling of being seen and valued fills me with both excitement and inspiration."
Miahe, a high school student from the Diamond Navigator Academy in Miami, told reporters: "I hope the United States and China can forge a deeper friendship and further enhance mutual understanding. I hope to share what I have learned with more people, and I am willing to be a youth messenger to enhance the friendship between the two peoples."
"Curiosity replaces estrangement, understanding eliminates distance, and friendship naturally takes root and sprouts."
A delegation of 20 American teenagers visited China as part of an educational exchange program, and they visited two cities, Nanjing and Changzhou in Jiangsu Province. In Nanjing, the teachers and students visited the Confucius Temple, the Chinese Imperial Examination Museum, Xuanwu Lake, Hongshan Forest Zoo, and other places, and also went to Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications for exchanges. In Changzhou, they explored Qingguo Lane and Hongmei Park, experienced Tai Chi and morning exercises, and interacted with local residents in a friendly manner.
During their visit to China, the teachers and students of the American Youth Education Exchange Group witnessed China's vigorous innovation vitality on site. They entered Changzhou Beijiao High School, engaged in classroom exchanges with Chinese students, interacted with members of the Science and Technology Innovation Studio, and experienced projects that blend traditional engineering with modern science, such as building the Luban Bridge. They also visited Changzhou University and the Changzhou Ideal Automobile Intelligent Manufacturing Base, gaining a deep understanding of China's development in scientific and technological innovation, especially in the field of new energy.
Andra, a high school student from the Diamond Navigator Academy in Miami, said that what she saw and heard in China gave her a new understanding of China's development, especially its achievements in innovation. "This experience broadened my horizons and made me more eager to gain a deeper understanding of China."
"China not only respects and protects its history, but also demonstrates impressive innovative achievements in education and technology," said Sylvain. "During our visit, from cultural monuments to modern universities, and then to technology laboratories, we saw a vibrant, future-oriented, and hospitable China."
During the exchange activities, the American students not only deepened their understanding of China but also forged sincere friendships with Chinese teenagers. Miah told reporters that he enjoyed the rich extracurricular activities on Chinese campuses and couldn't forget the delicious roast duck. What made him even happier was that he made Chinese friends. "I found that American students and Chinese students have many things in common. Although we come from different places, we are all striving to become the best version of ourselves and create a better future."
"I am delighted to learn that our experience in China has contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and China," said Abella, a high school student from Diamond Navigator Academy in Miami. This exchange has inspired her to continue learning about China and explore the vast world with an open mind.
"Through this visit to China, I have seen many changes in the students: curiosity has replaced estrangement, understanding has eliminated distance, and friendship has naturally taken root and sprouted," Lewis said. The encouragement given by President Xi Jinping's reply made her more convinced that her trip to China was not just a journey, but also a connection between people.
"We share a common vision of a future characterized by mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation."
Since the launch of the "5 Years, 50,000" initiative, over 40,000 American teenagers have actively participated, opening a window for them to understand the real China and building a bridge for the continuation of the friendship between the two peoples. This fully demonstrates that carrying out friendly exchanges and cooperation is the common aspiration of the Chinese and American people.
"There is a strong desire among the people of the United States and China to strengthen exchanges." Sylvain stated that true mutual understanding is enhanced when people engage in honest conversations and learn from each other face-to-face. The youngest member of the exchange group was a 13-year-old student. While touring the park, local Chinese people showed great interest in her hairstyle. She patiently explained the cultural significance behind this hairstyle and took the initiative to inquire about their traditional customs. "Such experiences underscore the importance of people-to-people exchanges," Sylvain said. "Educational cooperation not only facilitates the sharing of knowledge but also fosters empathy, mutual respect, and strengthens the friendship between the people of the United States and China."
"We should enhance communication, not reduce dialogue." Miahe stated that self-isolation would hinder mutual understanding and personal growth. "Through educational cooperation and cultural exchanges, the people of the United States and China can reduce stereotypes towards each other, maintain smooth communication, further build mutual trust, and thus lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations.".
"Friendship is not only built on policies, but also stems from shared experiences and open hearts," Lewis said. The people of the United States and China urgently need to strengthen friendly exchanges. Carrying out educational cooperation and cultural exchanges is an effective way to promote lasting friendship and peace between the two sides. "These exchanges open a door for young people. When education becomes a bridge rather than an obstacle, young people can jointly envision a future of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation."