The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs and OceanX, recently hosted participants from the "A Shared Voyage: China-U.S. Youth Friendship Program."

The initiative brought together 20 university students from China and the United States for a two-week maritime journey aboard the OceanXplorer research vessel, which departed from Hong Kong, with subsequent stops planned in Ningbo and Shanghai.

The program’s inaugural activities took place in Hong Kong, where CUSEF hosted a reception at its office. Mr. John Zhao, Chairman of CUSEF, and Mr. James Chau, President of CUSEF, delivered remarks to the participating students.

Mr. Zhao emphasized that CUSEF’s core mission centers on fostering a stable relationship between China and the U.S., highlighting the vital role of people-to-people diplomacy in this effort. He noted that exchange programs allow participants to connect “as normal beings,” adding that even when there are many conflicts or differences between individuals, establishing basic trust and mutual respect remains essential.

Mr. Chau remarked that OceanX brings together an exceptional group of students on a shared mission, with the vast ocean serving as their common ground. He told the delegation, “The friendships you are forming matter on an entirely different scale. It matters because the future of this relationship will not be determined solely by presidents and diplomats. It will be determined by people like you, who have opened yourselves to both social and academic exchange and exploration.”

CUSEF governors, Mr. Ronnie Chan and Mr. Daniel Fung, also attended the event and engaged in dialogue with the students.

During their time in Hong Kong, the group visited the Tsim Bei Tsui Tide Station, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, gaining insights into Hong Kong’s role in scientific research and maritime affairs.

On March 30, the OceanXplorer departed from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, heading for Ningbo and Shanghai. The students visited local universities and took part in cultural activities, which gave them the chance to meaningfully connect and share experiences with their peers in mainland China.

OceanX is a global non-profit co-founded in 2016 by Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and his son Mark Dalio. The organization combines scientific research, media production, and philanthropy to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential—for the benefit of both people and planet.

Mr. John Zhao, Chairman of CUSEF, and Mr. James Chau, President of CUSEF, delivers remarks to the participating students.

Mr. Daniel Fung, CUSEF Governor, speaks with the students.

Mr. Ronnie Chan, CUSEF Governor, engages in dialogue with the students.

Students share their expectations for the journey.

Students visit the Tsim Bei Tsui Tide Station in Hong Kong.

Students board the OceanXplorer research vessel at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, bound for Ningbo and Shanghai.

Students attend the closing ceremony in Shanghai.