Youths build closer bonds through art exchange in NY

Nearly 300 children from six schools in New York and Beijing gathered at the Chinese Consulate General in New York on Saturday for the "Understanding Each Other, Building Closer Bonds, and Working Hand in Hand" special performance, promoting art exchange between US and Chinese youth.

The students took part in drama presentations, playing instrumental music and performing martial arts stunts. They also sang popular songs in both Chinese and English, including Listen to Me, Thank You and Singing and Smiling.

"This is the largest group we have hosted," Consul General Huang Ping said. "I only regret that our space is too small; otherwise, I would have liked to invite all 650 children to visit."

Huang spoke about the Young Envoys Scholarship program, which offers short-term exchange programs, international summer school programs, youth forums and fellowships. It supports Chinese and US students in furthering cross-cultural exchanges, not only in academics but also in music and art, helping children develop their interests.

The initiative started after China and the United States agreed in November in San Francisco to further youth exchange. Students from both countries are already participating and traveling this summer.

Throughout the week, the Beijing Student Jinfan Art Troupe, consisting of students from more than a dozen schools in the Haidian and Xicheng districts of Beijing, had a packed schedule in New York. They interacted with students at the United Nations International School, gave a special performance at Lincoln Center and engaged in dialogue with Nobel Prize laureates at Columbia University. This marked the troupe's first trip to the US since 2018.

The troupe regularly tours the world and hopes to return to the US again during the winter vacation.

"This trip was filled with diverse activities, and we hope that American children can find time to visit China and explore, too. We would be delighted to host them in Beijing," said Yao Wei, executive director of the Beijing Shengtao Institute of Education Development and Innovation.

"Art knows no borders, and there should be more exchanges between young people. Art helps people from both countries discover the beauty in each other. We welcome American schools to establish more connections with Chinese schools and invite them to visit Beijing."

Bo Yingkan, board chair of Huaxia Chinese School in New York, said: "Our students are currently learning dragon dance in Sichuan. After just two or three days, I can see that they are already able to perform the dance beautifully.

"In the exchange between Chinese and American children, we have all learned a lot from each other. I see the enthusiastic smiles on the children's faces," he said.