Diplomacy

Beijing -- Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on September 24, 2026 that China will invite 100,000 young Americans for exchange and study programs over the next five years, a pledge made during a White House welcome ceremony marking his state visit to the United States.

Xi unveils five-year youth exchange initiative during Washington visit

The commitment followed a wave of grassroots engagement, including nearly 100 students from 10 US universities who participated in youth exchanges in China and later wrote to Xi describing their experiences. Harvard faculty member Marlon Forrester and Columbia University student Joey Zhang, among the letter writers, told CGTN the initiative represents a foundation for sustained bilateral exchange.