Xi Jinping Encourages U.S. Youth Pickleball Delegation as New Ambassadors of Friendship
Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently responded to teachers and students from a U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation, highlighting the pivotal role of young people in fostering China-U.S. relations.
The delegation, hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland, visited China under the “50,000 in Five Years” initiative, which aims to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a span of five years.
In his reply, President Xi congratulated the delegation on their successful visit, expressing his delight that pickleball has become a new bridge connecting the youth of China and the United States. He emphasized that the future of China-U.S. relations depends on the younger generation.
“I hope you will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between our two countries,” Xi wrote, encouraging them to contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.
Earlier, the delegation’s teachers and students had sent a letter to President Xi, expressing their gratitude for the initiative. They shared their enriching experiences from their April visit to China, which included participating in pickleball exchange activities and forging lasting friendships with Chinese youths.
They also expressed their hope to host Chinese young people in the United States, further strengthening the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has emerged as a unique cultural exchange medium, bringing together youths from both countries in friendly competition and camaraderie.
The “50,000 in Five Years” initiative reflects a mutual commitment to deepening people-to-people exchanges and fostering a brighter future for China-U.S. relations through youth engagement.
