On July 16, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. hosted a student art exchange gala to commemorate the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. More than 400 people attended the event. The Golden Sail Art Troupe, consisting of teachers and students from Beijing 101 Middle School and Zhongguancun No. 3 Elementary School, as well as those from the Chinese Embassy’s Sunshine School and 14 American schools in the greater Washington area, jointly delivered performances to promote mutual learning and friendship, showcasing the idea that the youth are key to the future of China-U.S. relations .

Jing Quan, Minister of the Chinese Embassy to the U.S., delivered a speech at the event. He talked about how, over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S., the two peoples have promoted mutual understanding and friendship through exchanges, with youth exchanges playing an important role in particular. Last November, President Xi Jinping announced in San Francisco 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 American youths have embraced the opportunity to experience China firsthand. They were deeply impressed by China’s time-honored history and splendid culture, and amazed by China’s green transition and development. Jing encouraged the students at the event to enhance mutual understanding and spark new ideas through art exchanges.

During the gala, Chinese students performed traditional folk music, symphonic music, folk dance, and street dance, while American students recited and sang ancient Chinese poems, and presented Chinese umbrella dance and Mongolian dance. Their performances were truly impressive and won thunderous applause. At the end of the event, everyone joined together to sing “Song and Smile”. The lyrics “please bring my song back to your home” conveyed the most heartfelt wishes to one another.