On June 29, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivered video remarks at the Opening Ceremony of “Bond with Kuliang” 2026 China-U.S. Youth Baseball Exhibition Games and Sports Festival.

Ambassador Xie said that the Kuliang story is a cherished chapter of China-U.S. friendship personally championed by President Xi Jinping. It reflects the genuine affection between the Chinese and American peoples that has endured for more than a century. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump had a successful meeting in Beijing, where they agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. This provides strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations over the next three years and beyond. This event, as the first large-scale youth exchange between the two countries after the Beijing summit, will surely inject fresh vitality into the friendship between the two peoples with the vibrant energy of youth.

Ambassador Xie used three English words beginning with the letter "R" to convey his three expectations for young people from China and the United States. First, show RESPECT.  Carry forward the spirit of mutual respect both on and off the field, and make this the first step toward building China-U.S. friendship on the right foundation. Second, play by the RULES. Harness youthful energy and spirit to safeguard the rules, and help ensure fair competition between China and the United States on a level playing field. Third, cheer for RUNS. Help China and the United States work together on shared challenges, and add new dimensions to a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. Ambassador Xie encouraged young people from China and the United States to jointly continue writing more “Kuliang stories” in the new era, and to inject vibrant youthful energy into the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

The event was held in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhou Zuyi, Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, and Zhao Long, Governor of Fujian Province, attended the opening ceremony. Youth baseball teams from China and the United States, along with “Friends of Kuliang” members and other friendly figures, also attended the event.