Youth hold key to future of Sino-US ties

Ambassador champions exchanges that are vital for building mutual trust

The future of China-United States relations depends on young people, as how they get along will shape how the two countries engage, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said on Sunday at the opening of a youth pickleball competition in Maryland.

Speaking at the China-US Friendly Youth Pickleball Competition in Montgomery County, Ambassador Xie Feng noted that "throughout history, it is the kindness of our people and the courage of our youths that have kept moving China-US relations forward".

Xie said youth had played pivotal roles before: Eight decades ago, US youngsters fought alongside Chinese forces during World War II, and five decades ago, young athletes opened doors for bilateral exchange through ping-pong diplomacy.