On April 10, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the event commemorating the 55th anniversary of China-U.S. ping-pong diplomacy and the launch of the China-U.S. youth sports exchange events.

Xi Jinping noted that 55 years ago, Chinese and American elder statesmen, with exceptional political wisdom and strategic foresight, reopened the door for friendly exchanges between our two peoples, and created the remarkable story of “a small ball moving the globe”. Today, young Chinese and Americans meet together to renew this bond and launch a series of sports exchange events that will contribute meaningfully to the cause of China-U.S. friendship.

Xi Jinping stressed that the foundation of China-U.S. relations was laid by the people, and their future will be shaped by the youth. It is hoped that all sectors of Chinese and American societies, especially the younger generation, will draw wisdom and strength from history, enhance mutual understanding and affinity through exchange and cooperation, and make progress hand-in-hand by learning from each other. It is also hoped that the two peoples will not only develop a stronger bond, but also make new contributions to the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

The event commemorating the 55th anniversary of China-U.S. ping-pong diplomacy and the launch of the China-U.S. youth sports exchange events was held in Beijing on April 10. It was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the General Administration of Sport of China, and China Media Group.