On January 31, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in the United States held the 2026 China-U.S. Youth Spring Festival Gala. Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife Madam Wang Dan joined over 500 guests, including America youth from more than 20 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, along with Chinese students, in celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year. Ambassador Xie, President of the US-China Business Council Sean Stein, and President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Charles Welch delivered remarks respectively. Minister Qiu Wenxing, Minister Yin Haihong and Minister Counsellor Shen Xuesong from the Chinese Embassy, and representatives from the U.S. education sector, organizations, civil society, businesses, and media also attended the event.

Ambassador Xie shared with the Chinese and American youths the key message from President Xi Jinping’s reply to a letter from a U.S. youth education exchange delegation from Florida. He spoke highly of the efforts of the youths from both countries, who, under the two Presidents’ guidance, have learned from each other and moved forward hand in hand, reached out to each other and striven to be envoys of goodwill, and innovated together and driven the change of our times.

Ambassador Xie elaborated on the significance of youth exchanges for China-U.S. relations, and shared three expectations. First, it is hoped that the two sides will remove obstacles to interactions with resolve, implement the two Presidents’ consensus, build bridges instead of barriers, and encourage, rather than hinder, youth interactions. Second, it is hoped that the two sides will boost exchanges with courage, speak up and take action, overcome the chilling effect, and advocate and participate in China-U.S. educational exchanges. Third, it is hoped that the two sides will keep friendship evergreen with action. China welcomes more young Americans to take part in the “50,000 in five years” initiative, and make every moment of their youth count.

During the event, American teachers and students who had visited China for exchanges shared their stories, speaking about people’s friendship and envisioning a brighter future. Young people from both countries jointly enjoyed the temple fair, appreciated Suzhou embroidery, made sweet rice balls, crafted sugar paintings, tried on hanfu, and co-presented an impressive cultural performance.