Young athletes revive 'ping-pong diplomacy' in Shanghai
During his stay in Shanghai, Levine played multiple exhibition matches with Chinese table tennis players. He noted that on-court interactions require few words to foster mutual understanding and respect.
At its core, sports exchange is direct person-to-person communication. Ping-pong diplomacy, initiated by young athletes 55 years ago, sets a clear example for cross-border exchanges today.
"The young generation needs to learn about the history of where ping-pong diplomacy started and these exchanges, and then carry that spirit forward into the new generations," Connie Mae Sweeris, a member of the 1971 US Table Tennis Team delegation to China, said.
"They can teach their young people, their own children, what has gone before them, and hopefully they'll carry that spirit through," Sweeris added.
Li Junfeng contributed to this story.
- Hainan entering a golden era for the fashion industry
- Blueberry prices plummet in China as domestic production surges
- Over 800 players to take part in Guangdong soccer tournament later this month
- Water surge leaves four dead in Chongqing
- Young athletes revive 'ping-pong diplomacy' in Shanghai
- Blooming Heze, more than blooms
