14,000 US Youths Explore China in 2024 🌏✈️ - 🌍NewspaperAmigo

Over 14,000 young Americans have traveled to China for cultural and educational exchanges since 2023, marking a major milestone in a five-year initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen ties between the two nations. The program, dubbed the Young Envoys Scholarship (YES), aims to invite 50,000 American youths by 2028—and it’s already making waves .

Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng highlighted the program’s progress at a lively embassy event in Washington on Friday, attended by 300+ guests, including students, teachers, and cross-cultural advocates. \"This isn’t just about numbers,\" Xie said. \"It’s about building bridges—for understanding, friendship, and a brighter future.\"

The initiative comes amid efforts to counter recent challenges in people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Xie called for continued collaboration to \"remove disruptions, stay bold, and oppose backpedaling\" in fostering U.S.-China relations. Panelists at the event echoed this sentiment, with one attendee noting, \"When young people connect, the world gets smaller—and smarter.\"

For globetrotting Gen-Zers and students, the YES program offers a golden ticket to explore China’s tech hubs, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Think of it as study abroad meets diplomacy—with a side of dumplings . Will this surge in youth exchanges thaw icy perceptions? Stay tuned.