On December 9, USCET welcomed a delegation from the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), visiting from China, for a meeting with Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch. The delegation visited Washington, DC, from December 7-11, then to Providence from December 11-14, and Cheyenne from December 14-17. This program has been a hallmark of leadership development for 45 years, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster mutual understanding and explore the complexities of US-China relations. The program was first introduced in 1977, with USCET Founder and Executive Chair Julia Chang Bloch as a participant in the inaugural delegation.
The delegation included Dr. Ai Ding, Deputy of the 14th National People’s Congress; Ms. Han Yueying, Program Manager at the Chinese Young Volunteers Association; Mr. Luo Siping, Division Head at the Industrial and Commercial Bank; Mr. Wan Xuejun, Secretary General of the China Youth Development Foundation; Ms. Wang Mo, First Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Wang Zhaodong, Professor of International Relations at Renmin University; and Ms. Wu Kaimin, Judge at the Supreme Court of the People’s Republic of China.
During the meeting, Ambassador Bloch shared her personal journey as an Asian American leader at a time when the community was largely invisible in political positions. Reflecting on her experiences, Ambassador Bloch noted how her time with the ACYPL shaped her path to becoming the first Asian American ambassador. She emphasized that her journey would have been unimaginable without the ACYPL experience, as there were few role models who looked like her in leadership positions.
Ambassador Bloch also reflected on the societal challenges she faced as a woman of color. She recalled her father’s expectations that she would surpass his son in academic and professional achievements, fueling her drive to succeed. Ambassador Bloch encouraged the delegation to take risks, realize their potential, and understand both their strengths and weaknesses. She advised that success is possible through determination and hard work, and that women, in particular, can carve their own paths outside traditional expectations.
In a thoughtful exchange, the delegation raised questions about the future of US-China relations, with many inquiring about the ideological and philosophical challenges that have shaped the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Bloch explained that while ideological differences were an initial hurdle when diplomatic relations were established, the more pressing issue now lies in the competition for global influence. She described how both nations are striving to shape the future of international systems and stressed the importance of finding a balance between maintaining each country’s interests and preventing conflict.
Ambassador Bloch emphasized the need for continued dialogue and understanding between the two countries, as she believes the next generation holds the key to building bridges and fostering mutual respect. She underscored the importance of initiatives like USCET, which aim to strengthen people-to-people connections and create opportunities for young people to collaborate and share ideas.
As the meeting concluded, Ambassador Bloch reiterated her hopes for the delegation’s trip to be transformative. She believes that through programs like these, lasting relationships and shared understandings can be built, even as governments face challenges. Her message was clear: through ongoing engagement, the potential for mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation remains achievable.
USCET is grateful to the delegation for their thoughtful questions and contributions to the conversation and looks forward to the positive impact of their future leadership in both the US and China.
USCET与美国青年政治领袖协会(ACYPL)代表团就中美关系举办精彩讨论
2024年12月9日，USCET迎接了来自美国青年政治领袖协会（ACYPL）的代表团，代表团来自中国，并与张之香大使进行了会晤。代表团于12月7日至11日访问了华盛顿特区，随后前往罗德岛州的普罗维登斯（12月11日至14日），以及怀俄明州的夏延（12月14日至17日）。该项目已成为领导力发展的标志性计划，已有45年历史，旨在汇聚来自不同背景的个人，促进相互理解并探索中美关系的复杂性。该项目首次推出于1977年，USCET创始人和执行主席张之香大使作为首届代表团的一员参与了该项目。
代表团成员包括 Dr. Ai Ding，第十四届全国人大副主任；Ms. Han Yueying，中国青年志愿者协会项目经理；Mr. Luo Siping，工商银行部门主管；Mr. Wan Xuejun，中国青年发展基金会秘书长；Ms. Wang Mo，外交部一秘；Dr. Wang Zhaodong，人大国际关系学教授；以及 Ms. Wu Kaimin，最高人民法院法官。
在会议中，张大使分享了自己作为一名亚裔美国领导者的个人经历。在她的回忆中，那时亚裔美国人在政治领导岗位上几乎没有代表，社会对于亚裔的期待和局限性让她意识到，若没有美国青年政治领袖协会(ACYPL)的经历，她的成长之路将不可想象。张大使强调，成为首位亚裔美国大使的机会，正是源于她早期的国际交流和领导培养经历。
张大使还谈到了作为一名女性的成长挑战。她回忆起父亲对她的期待，希望她能在学术和职业上超越自己的弟弟，这激发了她不断追求卓越的动力。她鼓励代表团成员敢于冒险，发掘自己的潜力，清楚认识自己的优缺点。她认为，成功来自于坚定的决心和努力，尤其是女性，不必遵循传统的角色定义。
在深入的交流中，代表团成员提出了关于中美关系未来的问题，许多人询问了意识形态和哲学差异如何塑造两国关系。张大使解释道，尽管意识形态的差异曾是两国建立外交关系时的一个障碍，但现在更加严峻的问题是全球影响力的竞争。她描述了两国如何争取在国际体系中塑造未来，并强调必须找到平衡点，在维护各自利益的同时防止冲突。
张大使强调了继续对话和理解的必要性，她认为下一代是建立桥梁、促进相互尊重的关键。她特别提到，像USCET这样的项目对于加强民间交流、为年轻人提供合作与分享思想的机会具有重要意义。
会议结束时，张大使再次表达了对代表团此次旅行的期待。她相信，通过这样的交流项目，可以建立持久的关系与理解，尽管两国政府间存在挑战。张大使的核心信息是：通过持续的互动，建立相互理解和和平合作的可能性依然是可实现的。
我们感谢代表团成员提出的深思熟虑的问题，并期待他们未来在中美两国领导力的积极影响。