Meanwhile, the two countries have also signed up more than 240 pairs of sister provinces and cities nationwide.

Thanks to the fast-growing people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, the number of Americans who are becoming familiar with Chinese culture and views is increasing rapidly, which is conducive to the development of bilateral ties as a better mutual understanding will help ease frictions between the two sides.

The people-to-people exchange mechanism is a bridge for countries with different histories, cultures and systems to learn from each other, reduce misunderstandings, enhance friendship and strengthen mutual trust.

As an old Chinese saying goes, only heart-to-heart exchanges can last long.

China and the United States differ from each other in culture and political systems, but as long as they can open their hearts to each other, respect each other and manage to seek common ground while putting aside differences, they can bridge any gaps and create a much brighter future for their bilateral ties.

Looking back at the past and forward to the future, we have every reason to believe that, with joint efforts from both sides, the people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States will continue to prosper.