Tacoma, February 5: A Cultural Exchange program was held at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, on February 3, marking the 55th anniversary of the China-U.S. “Ping-Pong Diplomacy.”
The event was jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG), the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Chinese Table Tennis Association, with the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association as a co-organizer.
Key figures, including CMG Director General Shan Haixiong, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanmin, and President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association Wang Liqin, delivered video speeches. Additionally, former U.S. table tennis player Connie Sweeris and Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Zhang Qianmin participated in the event. Approximately 500 guests, including local dignitaries and Lincoln High School teachers and students, were in attendance.
In his video address, CMG Director General Shan Haixiong emphasized that healthy relations between countries hinge on mutual connections among their people, which are rooted in understanding. He recalled how, 55 years ago, a small ping-pong ball opened the door to a profound relationship between the people of China and the U.S., creating a remarkable story of “a small ball giving momentum to a big ball.” He expressed hope that the youth of both nations would write a new chapter in bilateral exchanges in this new era.
Wang Liqin, President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, noted that the friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American table tennis teams 55 years ago marked a significant development in China-U.S. Relations. The visit of the U.S. table tennis team to China, at the invitation of the Chinese government, opened the door to long-term friendship between the two nations and sent a positive signal regarding the normalization of China-U.S. relations. The seeds of friendship sown through “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” have now grown into a vast tree.
Wang Liqin stated that the Chinese Table Tennis Association and the national table tennis team will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the U.S. in sports, upholding the spirit of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and strengthening understanding and friendship between the two peoples through the shared language of table tennis.
Connie Sweiris, who visited China with the U.S. table tennis team in 1971, reflected on her unforgettable experience from 55 years ago, which remains vivid in her memory. She expressed pride in contributing to China-U.S. relations through “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and encouraged the young attendees, stating that everyone has the opportunity to become an ambassador for mutual exchange between the two nations, whether through sports or cultural exchanges.
During the event, Chinese guests participated in a “Friendship Ball” exhibition match with former members of the U.S. table tennis team and local enthusiasts. Additionally, a short film produced by CGTN (China Global Television Network) commemorating the 55th anniversary of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” was screened. Guests expressed their hope to continue the tradition of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy,” deepen China-U.S. friendship, and promote exchanges among the people.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)