On May 30, 2026, the Embassy of China in the United States hosted the “Night of Pickleball & the Premiere of China Trip Documentary”. Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife Madam Wang Dan joined teachers and students of an American youth pickleball delegation who had visited China, along with their families, in looking back on a heartwarming journey in which young Chinese and Americans connected through pickleball and became true friends.

In his remarks, Ambassador Xie noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently replied to a letter from Chinese and U.S. students, where President Xipointed out that initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over five years has reached its goal two and a half years ahead of schedule. Xie underscored that this is more than an inspiring number, but a powerful example of young people from our two countries reaching out to one another across the Pacific — and a youthful promise for the future of China-U.S. relations. Through pickleball, the young Chinese and Americans developed sincere friendship, learned from each other and experienced an open China, connecting with one another and building bridges of communication. From ping-pong to pickleball, the paddles have changed. But the two peoples’ shared wish for friendship remains as strong as ever.

Xie Feng pointed out that China-U.S. relations stand at a new historical starting point. Now it is up to us to follow the direction set by our two presidents. Let’s work together toward a relationship with cooperation as the mainstay, competition within proper limits, manageable differences and expectable peace. That way, we could advance the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and explore the right way for China and the United States to get along in this new era. Xiecalled upon the audience to follow the trend of the times and expand common ground; expand exchanges and cooperation to jointly strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations; step forward and help shape mankind’s shared future.

The event celebrated the premiere of the China Trip Documentary. Chinese and American students actively participated in cultural activities, singing youthful melodies, celebrating their friendship, and sharing their aspiration for a brighter future. Minister Tang Zhiwen, Minister Counselor Shen Xuesong, Dr. Peter Moran, Chief of Schools from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, Director of Systemwide Athletics of MCPS, as well as Mr. Sean Stein, President of the US-China Business Council were present.