The recent meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing has brought a glimmer of hope to the recently strained China-US relations. Amidst their wide-ranging discussions, a point of consensus stood out: both sides agreed to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, embrace students from each other’s nations, and collaborate towards the success of the upcoming 14th China-US Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi’an.

The recent agreement arrives at a pivotal juncture, as the once-vibrant people-to-people ties between the two nations have been battered by a series of actions that have stifled the free flow of ideas, knowledge, and understanding. The US has imposed visa restrictions on Chinese students and researchers, accusing China of exploiting them to acquire “sensitive US technologies and intellectual property.” This has resulted in hundreds of Chinese students holding admission letters being denied visas, shattering their dreams of pursuing higher education in the US.

Moreover, the Confucius Institutes, formerly celebrated as beacons of cultural exchange, have endured relentless attacks, as the US has classified them as “foreign missions” and initiated legislative efforts aimed at severing their funding. Consequently, dozens of American universities have closed their Confucius Institutes, succumbing to the negative rhetoric surrounding these cultural centers.

Alarmingly, the very notion of people-to-people exchanges has been tainted, as China has been accused of leveraging these interactions to pilfer intellectual property, conduct cultural invasions, and gather intelligence. The US government has maintained travel warnings, cautioning its citizens about the risk of “wrongful detentions” in China, dissuading many would-be travelers from visiting the country.

These actions have had far-reaching consequences, eroding the bedrock of trust and understanding that underpin the bilateral relationship. Exchange activities in education, science, and culture have dwindled, and the number of Chinese students seeking education in the US has declined due to the visa restrictions and negative rhetoric. As tensions between the two nations have escalated, misunderstandings and prejudices within their societies have been exacerbated, prompting legal and policy responses that could potentially constrict the channels of cooperation even further.

Yet, the importance of robust people-to-people exchanges cannot be overstated. These interactions serve as bridges of understanding, fostering a mutual appreciation of each other’s histories, cultures, and societal values. Academic collaborations and student exchanges enrich the educational experience, catalyze knowledge transfer, and spur innovation. The economic impact is considerable, as international students contribute billions to the US economy through tuition and living expenses, while Chinese tourists bolster the service industry.

Furthermore, scientific cooperation between researchers from both nations holds the key to addressing global challenges, including climate change and public health crises. Cultural exchanges, through artistic performances and festivals, celebrate diversity and enrich the lives of citizens on both sides. Perhaps most crucially, the interpersonal connections forged through people-to-people ties lay the groundwork for trust and stable political relations.

The benefits of robust people-to-people exchanges far outweigh any perceived risks, and both nations stand to gain from a renewed commitment to this vital aspect of their relationship. While the US has frequently acknowledged the importance of cultural exchange while simultaneously creating obstacles, the recent consensus offers a glimmer of hope. It represents a tentative step towards reopening the doors to meaningful interactions between the peoples of these two great nations.

Nonetheless, mere words are inadequate; tangible actions must ensue. The US should honor its commitments by easing visa restrictions, embracing cultural outreach programs, and cultivating an environment that fosters, rather than hinders, academic and professional collaborations. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, the need for mutual understanding and cooperation has never been more pressing. By revitalizing and strengthening people-to-people ties, China and the US can lay the foundation for a more stable, prosperous, and harmonious future – not just for their respective nations but for the entire global community.

The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the recent consensus serves as a reminder that even in the midst of turbulence, rays of hope can emerge. It is incumbent upon both sides to nurture these glimmers, allowing them to evolve into a beacon that illuminates the path towards greater trust, collaboration, and shared progress.

Su Tiping is the Director of Department of International and Intercultural Studies at Xi’an International Studies University. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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