On May 30, 2026, the Embassy of China in the United States hosted the “Night of Pickleball & the Premiere of China Trip Documentary”. In his remarks, Ambassador Xie Feng pointed out when the younger generation rises to its responsibilities, the world will have a brighter future. He expressed hope for the young people in China and the United States to stay grounded, think globally, and work together on global challenges — from climate change and artificial intelligence to public health and food security. “As we work toward a global community with a shared future, I hope you will bring your talent to solving problems, your passion to driving change, and your strength to shaping a more peaceful and better future for all of us,” Xie said.

Ambassador Xie referred to 2026 as a milestone year for China-U.S. relations. It is the year when China begins its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. “The giant vessel of China-U.S. relations has set sail from Beijing, and each of us is a sailor on this shared voyage. With our two Presidents charting the course, let us carry forward the spirit of ‘Ping-Pong diplomacy’ through pickleball; write new stories of China-U.S. friendship with the passion of youth; and help usher in a brighter future for China-U.S. relations,” Xie said.