Beijing, China - July 8, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of press briefing in progress, reporters
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Mao Ning, spokeswoman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
"We are pleased to see that the century-old Kuliang story is brimming with new vitality and continues to write new chapters for friendly exchanges. Recently, exchange activities such as the China-U.S. Youth Sports Exchange Week, the Flying Tigers Youth Leaders Dialogue, and the 'PandaMaxxing' program have been successfully held. These events fully demonstrate that the people of China and the U.S. share common sentiments and are fully capable of bridging differences, appreciating each other, and building friendship. They also reaffirm that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, its foundation rests with the people, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality thrives in the localities. We welcome more U.S. citizens to visit China for exchanges, to see a real, multi-dimensional, and multi-faceted China for themselves, and to join in promoting China-U.S. friendship."
3. Various of reporters

China welcomes more American people to visit the country for exchanges and to promote bilateral friendship, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

Mao made the remarks when commenting on the recent exchange activities including the Bond with Kuliang: 2026 China-U.S. Youth Baseball Exhibition Games and Sports Festival, which was successfully held in China. Eight youth baseball teams from the two countries competed and made friends through the event, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.

In addition, China's previously announced "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period, has achieved its target ahead of schedule. The number of U.S. visitors to China also grew rapidly in the first half of this year.

"We are pleased to see that the century-old Kuliang story is brimming with new vitality and continues to write new chapters for friendly exchanges. Recently, exchange activities such as the China-U.S. Youth Sports Exchange Week, the Flying Tigers Youth Leaders Dialogue, and the 'PandaMaxxing' program have been successfully held. These events fully demonstrate that the peoples of China and the U.S. share common sentiments and are fully capable of bridging differences, appreciating each other, and building friendship. They also reaffirm that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, its foundation rests with the people, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality thrives in the localities. We welcome more U.S. citizens to visit China for exchanges, to see a real, multi-dimensional, and multi-faceted China for themselves, and to join in promoting China-U.S. friendship," Mao said.