On May 19, 2026, a student delegation from Princeton University visited Tsinghua University and participated in a Student Exchange hosted by the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS). Nearly 40 students from China and the United States engaged in in-depth discussions on the current state, future opportunities, and challenges of China-U.S. relations.
Professor Da Wei, Director of CISS, delivered opening remarks and extended a warm welcome to the visiting faculty and students from Princeton University. He emphasized CISS’s commitment to advancing international academic dialogue and exchange and expressed his hope that more student delegations from leading international universities would visit China, further strengthening communication and cooperation between young people from both countries.
Zach Vertin, Director of Princeton SPIA in Washington DC, also addressed the audience and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the exchange. He noted that dialogue between younger generations in China and the United States is particularly important at a time when the world faces increasingly complex global challenges.
Xiao Qian, Dean of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at Tsinghua University and Deputy Director of CISS, introduced Tsinghua University’s development strategy, internationalization efforts, and commitment to cultivating globally competent talent. She encouraged Chinese and American students to continue deepening mutual understanding and fostering constructive engagement through sustained dialogue and exchange.
Professor Da Wei, who is also a professor in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University, delivered a keynote speech on the current challenges and future prospects of China-U.S. relations. He provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and difficulties facing bilateral ties and engaged in an interactive discussion with students on major international issues of shared concern.
During the open discussion session, Chinese and American students were divided into groups to exchange views on major international issues, cross-cultural experiences, academic interests, and campus life. Participants shared their perspectives candidly in a friendly and open atmosphere, demonstrating the strong desire among young people from both countries to enhance communication and deepen mutual understanding amid a rapidly changing international environment.
Student representatives from Tsinghua University’s Xinya College and CISS actively participated in the discussions. The event was supported by the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and the Global Learning Center of the School of Social Sciences at Tsinghua University.
As an important platform for youth engagement, the exchange provided students from both countries with a valuable opportunity to communicate face-to-face, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen mutual understanding. Through open dialogue and meaningful interaction, participants deepened their appreciation of each other’s societies and cultures while exploring the role that young people can play in promoting constructive China-U.S. relations in the future.
