Atlanta is getting pandas: China's Xi revives a longtime diplomatic strategy at summit with U.S.

President Xi Jinping utilized unconventional methods to communicate with US officials during his recent visit to Washington. He reached out to dozens of students from 10 American universities who had participated in an exchange program in China, extending an invitation to advance bilateral cooperation. This approach follows a long-standing tradition of Beijing leveraging unofficial channels, such as influential figures and bridging organizations, to convey its diplomatic messages to Washington, especially during periods when direct governmental contact is challenging due to strained relations.

One notable instance was in 1970, when Mao Zedong interacted with American writer Edgar Snow on the Tiananmen Rostrum, signaling Beijing's readiness to reopen communications with Washington. Similarly, in recent years, Beijing has placed significant value on engaging with influential individuals, like former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Graham Allison, a Harvard Kennedy School alumnus. Allison, who passed away in 2023, was seen as a successor to Kissinger in this role.

In addition to engaging with academics and leaders, China has also emphasized its connections with the American business community. Just before Xi's visit, Premier Li Qiang met with a delegation from the US-China Business Council, an influential organization founded in 1973 that promotes bilateral relations. Prominent tech companies such as Apple, Boeing, and Nvidia are among its members, and their executives frequently visit China, interacting with high-level Chinese officials.

Beijing's use of people-to-people exchanges as a diplomatic tool has become increasingly prominent. For example, pickleball, a sport that gained popularity in the US, has seen a surge in exchanges between Chinese and American teenagers. In May, Chinese Ambassador to Washington Xie Feng called on participants to continue the spirit of ping-pong diplomacy and foster new stories of friendship between the two nations.

During his visit, Xi announced plans to invite 100,000 young Americans to study in China over the next five years, a goal Beijing had previously achieved about two years ahead of schedule in 2023.

The Chinese government has also utilized historical events to strengthen ties with the US. By commemorating the legacy of the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japan during World War II, Beijing has sought to evoke memories of past cooperation. Presidents Trump and Xi have both referenced the Flying Tigers and their close relationship during their meetings, highlighting the enduring influence of historical ties on contemporary diplomacy.