by Xinhua writer Shi Chun
NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- From social media and student exchanges to memories of the Flying Tigers, personal stories featured prominently at a local forum Wednesday, where more than 150 representatives from U.S. business, education and academia explored ways to strengthen China-U.S. ties.
Hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in New York, the forum, themed "Our Shared Expectations: Conversation on China-U.S. Relations," focused on people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
Andrew Cap, an English teacher and content creator, recounted his journey from a student who studied in China ten years ago to an online influencer sharing Chinese culture with American audiences.
"U.S. younger generations want to see real people on the ground in China, and that's an opportunity for social media where you can show them real, authentic China," he said.
For Clifford Long Jr., vice chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, his connection with China reaches back to a wartime bond forged by his father, a member of the Flying Tigers.
Formed in 1941, the U.S. air units fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese aggression during World War II.
"The Flying Tigers wouldn't work without the Chinese people," Long said.
Today, Long is helping promote that legacy to a new generation. "We're passing this history along to kids," he said.
Kate Sullivan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Chinese Chamber of Commerce, drew on her own experiences of traveling to China to underscore the value of people-to-people connections.
"The more times I travel to China, the more impactful parts of my experience have been bonding with the Chinese," she said.
Sullivan urged concrete steps to expand exchanges and enhance mutual understanding and confidence between the two countries, viewing such ties as a foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation and new business opportunities.
Chen Li, Chinese consul general in New York, described such connections between the two peoples as a deeper force underpinning the bilateral relationship.
He opened his remarks with the story of Ronald Sakolsky, an American who once taught English in China and helped Chinese farmer Yin Yuzhen plant trees in the Maowusu Desert.
"China and the United States differ in many ways. But before nationality, political systems or other labels, we are all human beings," Chen said. "People in both countries want stable lives and fulfilling careers. They want a good education for their children and a better future for their families. They want their countries to prosper and the world to remain at peace."
"The root of China-U.S. relations is in the hearts of our people. When the root is deep, our relationship can survive any storm," he said. ■
