A China-U.S. youth exchange event was held in Beijing on April 8. Titled “Tech for Culture, Youth Together,” the event brought together about 100 young participants from both countries to explore innovation and cultural understanding.
A China-U.S. youth exchange event titled “Tech for Culture, Youth Together” is held in Beijing, April 8, 2026. [Photo/ciste.org.cn]
Jin Minqing, a member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and director general of the Institute of Contemporary China Studies at CASS, and Luo Hui, a member of the Leading Party Members Group of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), attended the event and delivered remarks.
Jin Minqing noted that culture flourishes through exchange, civilizations are enriched through mutual learning, and science and technology become more vibrant through interaction. He emphasized that young people are envoys of cultural exchange, pioneers of scientific and technological innovation, and above all, a source of hope for the steady and sustained development of China-U.S. relations.
He expressed hope that, through this exchange program, young people from the U.S. would experience the unique charm of Chinese civilization through the empowerment of science and technology. He called for carrying forward the legacy of Ping-Pong diplomacy and the enduring friendship forged in Guling, injecting fresh momentum into China-U.S. relations through the unique dynamism and creativity of youth.
Luo Hui said that 55 years ago, Ping-Pong diplomacy opened the door to friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and the U.S., demonstrating that friendship among peoples can transcend differences, bridge vast distances and contribute to lasting global peace. Today, in the face of global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, public health and biodiversity, she stressed the need for joint exploration of solutions, noting that the key to addressing these issues lies in the hands of young people.
A highlight of the event was a speech by Judy Hoarfrost, a participant in the original Ping-Pong diplomacy era, who recalled how “a small ball moved the big ball.” Her remarks reflected on how people-to-people exchanges helped open a new chapter in China-U.S. relations. She said that today, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for dialogue and cultural connection.
Participants also heard presentations from Chinese scholars on artificial intelligence and the development of an intelligent society, exploring how technological innovation is reshaping production, communication and social structures.
Beyond the discussions, the young participants visited the China Science and Technology Museum and a digital exhibition of Chinese civilization, engaging with interactive displays that combined cutting-edge technology with traditional culture.
The event was jointly organized by the US-China Youth and Student Exchange Association, the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China, and the Center for Promotion of Cultural Development of CASS, aiming to foster long-term youth engagement and strengthen bridges of friendship, cooperation and shared development between the two countries.
