At the start of the new year in 2025, amidst the lingering winter chill and the gentle embrace of the sun, the courtyard with rich historical features of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) warmly welcomed a delegation of young students from Columbia University in the United States. Invited by the CPAFFC and organized by the Hong Kong-based China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), the delegation arrived in Beijing on New Year's Day. It was one of the first delegations from American universities to visit China this year, in response to President Xi Jinping's important initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. The delegation consisted of 27 master's degree students in international affairs and public administration from Columbia University, hailing from 17 countries around the world. They will stay in China for 10 days and visit Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and other cities.
Around noon on January 2, Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC, hosted a welcome luncheon for the delegation at the CPAFFC. He welcomed the delegation's visit at the start of the new year and expressed the hope that they would visit various parts of China, gain a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the country, and share the true picture of China upon their return to the United States. In doing so, they would contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States, particularly among the youth.
As they wandered through the beautiful courtyard, a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles adorned with red bricks and green tiles, the young people listened intently as Vice President Shen Xin and colleagues from the CPAFFC shared stories that intertwined the history and present-day realities of China's international friendships. All of the members expressed that they were honored to visit China on New Year's Day at the invitation of the CPAFFC. Bringing research topics from various professional fields, they looked forward to engaging fully with Chinese institutions at national, subnational, and people-to-people levels to foster mutual understanding, explore relevant issues, and build lasting friendships with Chinese youth.
In the morning, the delegation visited the CICC Global Institute to discuss China's dual-carbon (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) policy, green finance development, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) trends and investment practices with young scholars. In the afternoon, the delegation visited People's Daily, touring the People's Daily History Museum and New Media Center to learn about its development history. They also participated in exchanges on international communication and new media development.
In the coming days, the delegation will also engage in discussions with young students from Tsinghua University and Peking University, China's two top universities. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Peking Duck are also on the agenda. The ancient city of Xi'an and Shanghai, known as the "Magic City", will offer tailor-made itineraries, ensuring the Columbia youth experience a wealth of Chinese cultural traditions and creating lasting memories.
