Connections, collaborations and comity highlighted

A new book, My China Album, published by the Tsinghua University Press, is set for release in June. It celebrates the deep ties between the people of the United States and China.

Originating from a project initiated in 2018 by the Chinese embassy and consulates in the US, in collaboration with China Daily, the book compiles stories of friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding — drawn from the experiences of US citizens who have lived, worked or studied in China.

Now in its sixth year, the "My China Album" project has documented the journeys of Americans in China, emphasizing the strength of grassroots connections.

In the book's foreword, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng cited President Xi Jinping as saying: "The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels."

The foreword reflects the project's aim to nurture goodwill despite complex bilateral dynamics.

"The message resonated widely in both countries. Amity between the people holds the key to state-to-state relations," Xie writes.

Each edition of the project explores unique themes, showcasing the diverse facets of US-China ties. Previous editions include sports exchanges and giant panda conservation.

The newest sixth edition, themed "My China Footprints", centers on Americans' personal experiences in China. It features five short videos, which are being shared on major social media platforms, offering insights into China's cultural and technological landscape.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, notes in the preface that My China Album is "a celebration of the enduring nexus between two great nations — a chronicle of understanding, love and friendship".

"This book is more than just a collection of narratives," he writes.

Qu emphasizes the project's role in revealing "a tapestry of interactions" — from historic diplomatic milestones to everyday encounters that bridge cultures. He also says, "Each story represents a unique link between the two countries, an individual lens through which we can appreciate the richness of another culture."

Spanning more than 200 pages, the book is organized into five sections, reflecting the journey of US-China engagement since diplomatic ties began in 1979.

The five sections feature 41 heartfelt stories, each illustrating unique bonds. The narratives, accompanied by vivid photographs, capture personal bonds that transcend borders.

The book highlights shared humanity, memory and destiny. The stories include a descendant revisiting China to honor a father's wartime bonds with local communities; the bravery of the World War II Flying Tigers and their descendants fostering lasting bonds; a girl's image in a rediscovered photo reuniting families across China and the US; a Utah community's initiatives strengthening friendships with China; and Richard Bush's deep insights into China-US interactions with the premise that "US, China are in the same boat".

Xie writes that the stories encourage people to "remember the past, and more importantly, to envision a brighter future".

Qu adds that the stories "ignite a spark of goodwill" for a harmonious world.