Young Americans are key for the US to better understand China

Coming soon, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Shenzhen and Miami to discuss trade, technology, security, and other contentious matters. Beyond high-level diplomacy, the future of the US-China relationship hinges on whether their people, especially the young, can understand one another. Intensifying strategic competition has strained academic exchanges and grassroots engagement.

With the decline in American students studying in China, America risks losing its ability to comprehend China, and graying perceptions of the world order. These threats are compounded by heightened national security concerns in the US, including the China Initiative and investigations into universities. China's universities face uncertainty as well, with US investigations targeting visa fraud.

However, there is cause for optimism. Chinese President Xi announced plans to invite 100,000 young Americans to China over the next five years, surpassing previous goals. Some exchanges continue despite the strained relationship. China's openness to international visitors and social media provide new opportunities for young Americans to experience China firsthand, potentially shifting attitudes.

To achieve this, both countries must collaborate. Beijing must make academic engagements predictable and transparent, while Washington must differentiate sensitive research from ordinary education. Expanding scholarships and lowering financial barriers to studying abroad can help. The upcoming US-China meetings can stabilize the relationship, but mutual understanding must come from sustained people-to-people contact, not just political leaders.