From November 17 to 18, 2025, the 6th Hong Kong US-China Forum was held in Hong Kong, jointly organized by the China-US Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The forum brought together political leaders, scholars, and business figures from multiple countries to discuss peace and development in US-China relations. Twelve CISS Youth from the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University were invited to participate, engaging in in-depth discussions with experts on artificial intelligence, US-China relations, and cultural exchange. They also successfully hosted a Youth Leaders Special Side Event, bringing together youth representatives from around the world to discuss the future of US-China relations and demonstrate the global perspective and intellectual depth of contemporary Chinese youth.
During the main forum on November 17, CISS Ph.D. researcher Huang Ying spoke as a youth representative in the “Spotlight on Youth: Building a Peaceful Future” session, discussing the role and contributions of youth in bilateral relations with other young representatives from academia, business, and culture, receiving strong resonance and applause from the audience. During the forum, Huang Ying was also interviewed by Wen Wei Po to share insights on youth exchanges between China and the US. Additionally, CISS Youth Secretary-General Fan Jingyue, Deputy Secretary Ye Zichen, and members Ma Chubo and Zhao Shuai were interviewed by CUSEF, sharing their reflections on participation and the responsibilities of youth.
On November 18, the Youth Leaders Special Side Event, co-hosted by CISS Youth and CUSEF, invited over twenty young representatives from China, the US, Canada, Malaysia, and other countries. The session, themed “Promoting Peace Through Cooperation: US-China Relations toward 2049,” focused on three topics: US-China co-existence in the Asia-Pacific, non-traditional security challenges, and people-to-people and cultural exchange. CISS Ph.D. researcher Zhao Xiuyue shared his decade-long experience promoting local US-China exchanges, emphasizing how practical cooperation enhances mutual trust and strengthens grassroots friendship.
The side event employed diverse formats, including role-playing, thematic group discussions, and informal “fireside chats.” Twelve Chinese and eight international youth representatives simulated each other’s identities and national perspectives, deepening their understanding of the unique strengths and future potential of both countries. Participants engaged in lively discussions on contemporary issues and reported their findings to the audience, illustrating a vision and mission for youth to support steady US-China relations through dialogue and mutual learning.
CISS Youth received high praise from the organizers and participants for their outstanding organization and professionalism. Experts highlighted that direct exchanges between youth are crucial for fostering mutual understanding, building communication channels, and advancing bilateral relations. The Youth Side Event became a highlight of the forum, showcasing the unique role of youth in international exchanges.
This trip to Hong Kong provided CISS Youth with a concrete understanding of the complexity and dynamics of US-China relations while enabling them to project a rational, professional, and constructive voice of Chinese youth on the international stage. Moving forward, CISS Youth will continue to leverage CISS’s international platform, expanding youth exchanges and strategic dialogues to contribute their insights and energy toward enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting healthy and stable US-China relations.