Chinese and U.S. table tennis athletes and enthusiasts came together in Las Vegas on Sunday to celebrate the 54th anniversary of “Ping-Pong diplomacy,” highlighting how sports continue to foster friendship between the two nations.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) and USA Table Tennis (USATT), with support from the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco and the Nevada U.S.-China Cultural Association.
Throughout the day, players from both countries, including Chinese world champions who participated in the WTT U.S. Smash held in Las Vegas from July 3-13, shared techniques and played friendly matches with local community members and young fans.
“Fifty-four years on, the spirit of ‘Ping-Pong diplomacy’ continues to inspire us,” said Zhang Jianmin, the Chinese Consul General in San Francisco. “It reminds us of the powerful connections that people-to-people exchanges can create.”
Zhang emphasized that “engagement and communication are key to improving mutual understanding,” and that “win-win cooperation is the right path to common development.”
Wang Liqin, president of the CTTA and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed a desire to deepen cooperation with the U.S. table tennis community through competitions and youth training exchanges. “We sincerely invite young friends from the United States to visit China for exchanges, engage in friendly games with Chinese players, and strengthen our bonds of friendship,” he said.
Virginia Sung, CEO of USATT, highlighted the significance of table tennis in building bridges. “Sport has a powerful way of bringing people closer,” she said. “It speaks across languages and cultures and reminds us that even the smallest ball can carry the weight of friendship and understanding.”
The event served as a testament to the enduring legacy of “Ping-Pong diplomacy” and its continued role in promoting peace and friendship through sports.
