A student from the Chinese University of Hong Kong was among 20 young students who received a reply letter from President Xi Jinping, who praised them for their fruitful involvement in a China-US youth exchange program, and called on them to foster deep friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Liu Runjie, a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in electronic engineering, joined Chinese and American students who wrote to Xi after their participation in a two-week exchange focused on ocean exploration and cultural dialogue.
The journey, titled “A Shared Voyage: China-US Youth Friendship Program”, aboard the China-US Youth Friendship research vessel, set sail from Hong Kong on March 30 and visited Ningbo, in East China’s Zhejiang province, and Shanghai. During the trip, participants explored historical and cultural sites, high-tech companies, rural revitalization projects, and urban civic centers.
Liu recalled the memorable moments of the exchange program as he read Xi’s letter, according to a Xinhua news report. Liu said, “This experience has shown us that through sincere communication, young people from the two countries can bridge differences, break down prejudice, and also collaborate in their professional fields.”
He also expressed hope that the participants will stay in touch.
The program echoed Xi’s “50,000 in Five Years” initiative, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for education and exchange. Since its launch in November 2023, more than 50,000 American young people have already taken part, reaching the target ahead of schedule.
In their letter, the students thanked Xi for the initiative, saying that it had provided valuable opportunities for young people from both countries to learn from one another and build enduring friendships.
In his reply, Xi expressed his delight at hearing about what he called an “unforgettable friendship voyage”, and urged the students to continue contributing to cross-cultural exchanges and deeper mutual understanding between China and the US.
Liu earned his place in the program after excelling in the 15th National Marine Knowledge Competition Hong Kong Contest, organized by CUHK from September through January.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, CUHK said Xi’s reply was not only a personal encouragement to Liu, but also recognition of the university’s commitment to nurturing students with a strong sense of national identity and a global perspective.