55th Anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy: Xi Jinping Calls on Youth to Promote Sino-US Relations

The 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy' between China and the United States, which broke the 'ice' in Sino-US relations in 1971 when the American table tennis team was invited to visit China, is now celebrating its 55th anniversary. A commemorative conference for the 55th anniversary of Sino-US 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy' and the launch ceremony for a series of Sino-US youth sports exchange activities were held in Beijing on April 10th. Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the event. Xi Jinping pointed out that 55 years ago, the elder generation of leaders in China and the US opened the door to friendly exchanges between the two peoples, achieving the historical epigraph of 'small ball moves big ball.' Today, young people from both countries continue the 'ping-pong friendship' and embark on a series of sports exchange activities, which are very meaningful for promoting the cause of Sino-US friendship. Xi Jinping emphasized that the foundation of Sino-US relations is laid by the people, and the future is created by the youth. He expressed hope that people from all walks of life in both countries, especially the younger generation, will draw wisdom and strength from history, understand and cherish each other through exchanges and cooperation, and move forward hand in hand through mutual learning and mutual appreciation, jointly tightening the bonds of friendship and making new contributions to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-US relations. According to reports, three American athletes who participated in 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy' and over 150 young athletes and representatives from various sectors from across the United States attended the commemorative conference. (Editor: Zhou Huiying / Zhu Jianling) 1150411