Chinese President Xi Jinping has reignited a decades-long friendship with Iowa this week, sending a heartfelt Chinese New Year card to friends in the U.S. state—a gesture celebrating 41 years of cross-Pacific camaraderie. 🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸
The move came after Luca Berrone, a key advocate for U.S.-China ties, wrote to Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on behalf of Iowans, reaffirming their commitment to cultural bridges. Berrone, a board member of Iowa Sister States, is driving the ‘50,000 in 5 Years’ initiative—launched by Xi during his 2023 San Francisco visit—to bring young Americans to the Chinese mainland for exchanges. 🎓🌉
‘This isn’t just about diplomacy—it’s friendship goals,’ said a student in Beijing, reflecting on Xi’s 1985 Iowa stay that sparked the bond. With Lunar New Year festivities underway, the exchange highlights how grassroots ties are shaping tomorrow’s global leaders. 🐉✉️
