The Max S. Baucus Institute, in collaboration with the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), launched a two-week student exchange program on May 17, bringing a delegation of 22 American students to China. Hailing from Montana Technological University, Montana State University, the University of Montana, and Salish Kootenai College, the students are visiting Hong Kong, Beijing, and Chengdu to explore the country's political, economic, technological, and cultural landscape.
During their time in Hong Kong, the students joined former U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus and CUSEF President James Chau for a talk on diplomacy at the CUSEF office.
The conversation reflected on the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, with Ambassador Baucus sharing an optimistic view: “It was more of a reset, a realization… Both sides, we need to work together.”
He also discussed the evolving dynamics between Beijing and Washington: “I think the American government has realized China has risen. China’s powerful now. We’ve got to figure out a new way to work together... Nobody’s really better than the other, because we’re both very strong and powerful. It’s more of a peer relationship.”
Additionally, the involvement of young people in the bilateral relationship was a prominent discussion point during the talk, with Ambassador Baucus emphasizing that it remains the bedrock of bilateral ties. “The future of U.S.-China youth engagement will be extremely important.” He encouraged more Americans to experience China beyond iconic landmarks: “Go to visit families, get out in rural China, and taste the cuisine, walk down the streets, and sit down at cafes, start talking to people, and so forth. That very much would help the relationship, because then more of us, more Americans, would realize, hey, they’re just like us, they’ve got the same hopes and desires.”
The conversation concluded with Ambassador Baucus offering words of encouragement to the students, urging them to pursue their passions with courage and resilience. He advised them to “trust yourself, and just go for it,” reminding them not to fear failure. “Because [by] making a mistake, you’re doing something... And you’ll learn from it. You’ll learn what the next step is.”
Former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus shares his insights, expressing his belief that U.S.-China relations will become stabilized during the remainder of President Trump's term.
James Chau, President of CUSEF, interacts with students on topics of youth development.
Students visit CUSEF Hong Kong office and participate in a live talk. James Chau (left), President of CUSEF, and former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus (right).
A group photo of all guests and participating students at the conclusion of the event.