On June 17, a 19-member delegation of young students from the Baucus Institute of the University of Montana visited the Municipal Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to discuss and exchange ideas on how to promote people-to-people friendship between China and the United States. The delegation was led by Jims Boson, Executive Director of the Max Baucus Institute, and consisted of students from the University of Montana and Montana State University. Executive Vice President Zhang Qian, Vice President Jiao Yutong, Chairman of the International Committee of the China Industrial Cooperation and Cooperation Committee Ke Makai, Professor Shi Yi of the Department of English of China Foreign Affairs University, Professor Li Haidong and Gao Wanglai of the Institute of International Relations attended the forum.
Young students in the United States have asked one after another: "What is the function of the Municipal Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries", "How do Chinese view Americans", "Is it safe to download Chinese-developed applications on mobile phones", "How can we promote communication between China and the United States", and so on. In the face of these young people from the United States, the experts and scholars who participated in the discussion patiently and meticulously answered them one by one, and at the same time asked them questions: "The number of students studying in China in the United States has been declining in recent years, what are the doubts of American students coming to China", "Do you feel convenient to travel in China", and so on. Members of the Delegation shared their views.
Through candid and enthusiastic exchanges, China and the United States agreed that the foundation of bilateral relations lies in the people-to-people sector, that people-to-people exchanges and cooperation are crucial, that people-to-people dialogue can break down information barriers, and that people-to-people friendship can transcend differences. The members of the delegation said that due to the reports of the Western media, the American people lack an objective understanding of China, which leads to a weak willingness to come to China for exchanges, which further creates a separation between each other and forms a vicious circle. The American students said that through this visit, they broke the prejudice that had been formed through the media against China and witnessed China's security, openness and diversity. They all said that they would introduce the real China to their relatives and friends after returning to China, and hoped that China would provide more American young people with such opportunities for in-depth exchanges in the future. Head Jims Bosson also said that he plans to bring 100 young Montana students to China next year, and hopes to establish a closer cooperation mechanism with the Municipal Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Foreign Affairs University.
The delegation visited China at the invitation of the All-China Friendship Association, and the Municipal Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries arranged its visit schedule in Shanghai and Beijing. During their stay in Beijing, the delegation studied Chinese painting, experienced pottery making at the China Soong Ching Ling Youth Science and Technology Cultural Exchange Center, had dinner with teachers and students of Schwarzman College of Tsinghua University, visited the magnificent Forbidden City and the majestic Great Wall, and experienced the splendid Chinese culture.
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Author: Dr. Chen
Editor: Liu Xinhui