How to build bridges between the US and China: A personal perspective

As a Chinese immigrant who has lived in the US for over a decade, I have witnessed the ups and downs of the relationship between the two countries. I have also experienced the joys and challenges of living in a diverse and multicultural society. I believe that both the US and China have much to offer to each other and to the world, but they also need to overcome their differences and mistrust.

That is why I decided to dedicate my life to promoting peace and dialogue between the two superpowers. As a peace activist, I have organized and participated in various events and initiatives that aim to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the American and Chinese people. I have also met with many influential figures from both sides who share my vision of a harmonious and prosperous future.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was attending the US-China Leaders Summit in 2022, where President Biden and President Xi Jinping met for the first time since the trade war and the pandemic. I was invited as one of the representatives of the civil society, along with other activists, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and journalists. We had the opportunity to interact with the leaders and their delegations, as well as with each other.

I was impressed by the sincerity and openness of both presidents, who acknowledged their disagreements but also expressed their willingness to work together on common challenges such as climate change, global health, nuclear proliferation, and cyber security. They also emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural dialogues, which I strongly agree with.

I believe that one of the key factors that can improve the relationship between the US and China is to increase the contact and communication between their citizens. There are many misconceptions and stereotypes that exist on both sides, which can lead to fear, hostility, or indifference. By engaging in direct and respectful conversations, we can learn more about each other's history, culture, values, aspirations, and concerns. We can also discover our similarities and appreciate our differences.

As a Chinese American, I feel that I have a unique role and responsibility in bridging the gap between the two countries. I love both my homeland and my adopted country, and I want them to coexist peacefully and cooperatively. I also want to share my story and perspective with others who may not have had the chance to visit or interact with people from different backgrounds. I hope that by doing so, I can inspire more people to join me in building bridges instead of walls.

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