On August 29, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said in his remarks at the 24th Washington Chinese Culture Festival that this year is a significant year for China-U.S. relations. In May, President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump held a historic and landmark meeting in Beijing, where they agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. Their meeting set a clear direction forward. As President Xi has said, the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, the foundation in our societies, the future in the youth, and the vitality at the local level. His initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China in five years reached the target two and a half years ahead of schedule. Young people on both sides are becoming a stronger force for friendship between our two countries. More recently, the reunion of American teacher Ronald Sakolsky and Yin Yuzhen, known for her heroic efforts to combat desertification, touched people across social media. Their story reminds us that when Chinese and Americans work together, we can make the world a better place. Let us build more bridges for people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and strengthen the public foundation for a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. 

Ambassador Xie said, the Festival has become an annual tradition, growing more popular with each passing year. It has become a window into China for the American public and a bridge of friendship between our two peoples. Please enjoy the food, the performances, and the cultural experiences. I hope many of you will one day visit China — and turn today’s glimpse into a lasting connection of your own.