Chinese youth reflects on meaning of Chinese daily greetings

A student from Renmin University of China highlighted the significance of traditional Chinese greetings at the finals of the Global Development Public Policy Youth Innovation Contest on Monday.

Gong Haoliang, who served as a volunteer at the event, said the phrase “Have you eaten?”—one of China’s oldest greetings—goes beyond daily courtesy and expresses genuine care for universal human concerns. As youth from different countries and backgrounds discussed food security and poverty alleviation, Gong noted that the younger generation is determined to engage with global challenges through active thinking, innovation, and responsibility.