David Firestein speaks at event on “Ping-Pong” Diplomacy and U.S.-China Relations

David Firestein, President and CEO of the Bush China Foundation, spoke at an event co-hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament on Monday, April 26, 2021 on “Ping-Pong” Diplomacy and U.S.-China Relations.

The event featured a discussion on “Ping Pong Diplomacy,” which began 50 years ago and opened a great chapter of mutual understanding between China and the U.S. Today, it is an example of how people-to-people exchanges play a fundamental role in U.S.-China relations. Participants covered key questions such as: As we review the U.S.-China relationship, what is the status and influence of people-to-people exchanges? With the 50th anniversary of “Ping Pong Diplomacy,” what specific role does people-to-people exchanges play in promoting the establishment and development of the bilateral relationship?

Further, panelists reflected on the challenges and opportunities of people-to-people exchanges in the future.