For millennia, the Chinese have held the belief that letters carry the weight of gold, bridging emotions and expectations across vast terrains and seas. This perspective resonates with Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the President of China. Even with his demanding schedule, he finds moments to respond to letters from various global quarters.
Through these exchanges, President Xi has connected with individuals from diverse backgrounds, illustrating the rich tapestry of modern Chinese narratives. The Global Times delved deeper into some of these stories, engaging with individuals who had been in correspondence with the President.
In April 2021, the Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) embarked on the China Tour journey. This was an initiative that saw youths from various countries explore China’s development trajectory and immerse themselves in its rich culture. Two of these participants shared their experiences and insights from President Xi’s response letter.
Joshua Dominick, an American who has resided in China for two decades, emphasized the significance of President Xi’s recognition, especially for the GYLD program and its international attendees. Looking back, he reminisces about the collective letter 36 young participants wrote to the President, congratulating the CPC on its centennial and expressing their desires to be a bridge of understanding between China and the world.
In Xi’s heartfelt response, he applauded the GYLD attendees for their efforts to understand China better. He emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving happiness and highlighted the distinct Chinese path of modernization that not only promises growth for China but also benefits the global community. The President reaffirmed the CPC’s unwavering commitment to its foundational goals and the realization of the Chinese Dream. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to more international youths to visit China, promoting mutual understanding and growth.
Miao Lu, an executive of the GYLD program, expressed surprise and gratitude at receiving a response from President Xi, noting how it bolstered the youths’ sense of belonging and recognition.
Dominick, also known to his Chinese peers as Tan Jiaxu or Lao Tan, has been an influential figure in China’s cultural landscape, translating and publishing Chinese scholarly works. Additionally, he’s been championing hand cycling, aiming to foster a healthier lifestyle for individuals with disabilities. Having co-authored the GYLD letter, Dominick expressed his admiration for China’s technological feats, especially in the domain of healthcare facilitated by big data.
Zoon Ahmed Khan, a research fellow from Pakistan, emphasized the transformative experiences GYLD tours offered. She recounted her visit to Beijing’s political institutes and highlighted the necessity of understanding China’s political mechanisms to grasp its rapid development. For Zoon, the most memorable part of Xi’s letter was his call for global youth to collaborate, learn, and work on common challenges. She believes it’s essential for the youth to appreciate global diversity and learn from each nation’s unique experience.
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