dexinwin WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026— As Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a state visit, scenes involving Chinese Americans, students and young people along the motorcade route brought renewed attention to people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.
Xi arrived in Washington on the afternoon of Sept. 23 at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews. A ceremonial welcome included a red carpet, an honor guard, the national anthems of China and the United States, a 21-gun salute and a military flyover.
On the route from the airport to the hotel, representatives of overseas Chinese communities and Chinese students gathered along the roads, waving Chinese and American flags to welcome Xi. The scenes highlighted the role of ordinary people and communities in maintaining exchanges between the two countries.
Young People as “Envoys of Friendship”
Against this backdrop, youth exchanges have become another visible channel for interaction between Chinese and American people.
Recently, nearly 100 students from Harvard University and nine other U.S. universities wrote to Xi after participating in youth exchange programs in China. The students shared their experiences and impressions from their visits and expressed their willingness to contribute to China-U.S. friendship and become “envoys of friendship bridging the Pacific Ocean.”
Xi replied to the students, saying he was pleased that they had enjoyed their time in China. He encouraged young people from both countries to contribute to mutual understanding and friendship and to help advance cooperation between the two peoples.
For many participants, such exchanges provide an opportunity to experience the other country beyond news reports and online discussions. Visits to universities, historical sites and local communities can allow students to observe everyday life, interact with peers and develop their own impressions through direct contact.
People-to-People Exchanges Remain an Important Part of Bilateral Relations
Education is only one area of China-U.S. people-to-people exchange. Cultural activities, sports, tourism, business contacts and cooperation between cities and local communities have also created opportunities for direct interaction.
During his arrival speech in Washington, Xi said that Chinese and American people have maintained friendly exchanges over a long period and expressed an expectation to meet with people from different sectors of American society during the visit.
Youth exchanges have received particular attention in recent years. In November 2023, Xi announced that China was prepared to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over five years. Previous exchange programs have included visits to schools, universities, cultural institutions and different Chinese cities.
From Personal Encounters to Broader Understanding
Diplomatic relations are shaped by governments, but perceptions of another country are also influenced by ordinary interactions between people.
A student visiting a Chinese university, an American teenager participating in a sports exchange, a Chinese student studying in the United States, or residents meeting during a cultural event may have experiences that cannot be fully captured by official statements or news headlines.
The recent activities in Washington therefore provide another perspective on China-U.S. relations: alongside negotiations between governments, there are also students, families, educators and communities seeking opportunities for direct communication.
As Xi's state visit continues, attention will remain focused on discussions between the two governments. At the same time, the presence of young people and community representatives in Washington serves as a reminder that the relationship between China and the United States also has a people-to-people dimension, with youth exchanges providing one avenue for communication and mutual understanding.
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