Exchanges of peoples bridge bilateral divides

US foreign policy and economic chiefs (Left) and their Chinese counterparts sit for the sixth annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue between the two countries at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on July 9, 2014. [Photo/IC]

The seventh China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the sixth China-US High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange opened in Washington on Monday. This is the first time the meeting on people-to-people and cultural exchanges is being held concurrently with the S&ED, which reflects the rising importance both Beijing and Washington now attach to meaningful interaction between the two peoples.

The CPE is among more than 90 dialogue mechanisms between China and the United States, but it has become the most important regular platform to deepen bilateral people-to-people exchanges and cement mutual understanding between the two countries.

Since its inauguration in 2010, the high-level mechanism for people-to-people exchanges has served as a bridge for communication between the two peoples and achieved eye-catching results. For example, in 2014 alone the two sides agreed to an unprecedented 104 programs in six areas.

This year's CPE will focus on bilateral cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, health, sports, women and youth. Important events include a forum with the participation of university principals from both countries, a photo exhibition commemorating World War II, a dialogue between women leaders from both countries, a China-US seminar aimed at helping African countries improve their healthcare systems and a competition for young technology enthusiasts.

As one of the highlights of this year's CPE, China is expected to announce a plan to invite 100 American youth leaders in the next five years to study in China.

Intensified communication between the two peoples will be instrumental in deepening mutual understanding and mutual trust between the two countries, and thus contributing to the larger picture of bilateral ties.

As the bond between the two peoples grows stronger, China-US ties will also become more resilient to the dips resulting from the differences between the two countries. People-to-people exchanges play a major role in boosting them again.