The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) recently welcomed the first U.S. student delegation of the year to China. Twenty-nine graduate students from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) visited Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen from Jan. 3 to 12, marking the 45th anniversary of normalization of U.S.-China diplomatic ties. It was the first youth delegation to come to the country following China’s recent announcement of plans to invite 50,000 young Americans for exchanges.
In Beijing, they were invited to attend the "Commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the China-U.S. Diplomatic Relations,” a special event held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Meale spoke at the dinner, expressing their support for exchanges between the Chinese and American people, especially the younger generation. The students also had cordial conversations with Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng and former Ambassador Cui Tiankai.
(The Columbia SIPA students attended the "Commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the China-U.S. Diplomatic Relations” at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.)
(The students with China’s former Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai.)
They also spoke with diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, students at Peking and Tsinghua universities and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in China and the China Foundation for Rural Development.
(The Columbia students experienced Chinese painting.)
Student delegation embarked on an visited The China-United States Exchange Foundation (Beijing) Office. Filled with anticipation, they were warmly welcomed by the foundation, which had arranged for experienced teachers to introduce them to the captivating world of traditional Chinese painting art. Eager to immerse themselves in the culture, the students displayed boundless enthusiasm and unleashed their creativity as they enthusiastically participated in hands-on Chinese painting.
The students also conversed with CUSEF President James Chau and Dr. Bernhard Schwartländer, Global Health Envoy from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his meeting with the students in Beijing, CUSEF President James Chau said,“ Young people are the future of China and the United States, and the quality of their partnership will 2 characterize the outcomes of the most consequential relationship in the modern era.” He promised that CUSEF will continue its commitment to the ongoing student exchange programs, so that more young people will be represented in decisions that are shaping international relations.