On July 16, 2024, the Chinese Embassy in the United States hosted a student art exchange gala to commemorate the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. The Beijing Golden Sail Art Troupe, composed of teachers and students from Beijing 101 Middle School and Zhongguancun No. 3 Elementary School, as well as students from the Chinese Embassy’s Sunshine School and 14 American schools from around D.C. jointly presented cultural performances, showcasing that the future of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the youth. More than 400 people attended the event.

Minister Jing Quan delivered remarks at the event. He said that since China and the United States established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, the two peoples have enhanced mutual understanding and friendship through exchanges. In particular, youth exchanges have played an important role. In San Francisco last November, President Xi Jinping announced that China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Since then, many young American students have eagerly embraced the opportunities to experience China firsthand. They were amazed by China’s culture and long history, and marveled at China’s progress in green transition. He encouraged the students attending the gala to understand each other better and become friends.

At the gala, Chinese students performed folk music, instrumental music, folk dance and street dance, while American students recited and sang ancient Chinese poems in Chinese, and presented Chinese umbrella dance and Mongolian dance. At the end of the event, all sang “Song and Smile” together, expressing goodwill and best wishes for each other.