Beijing, January 2nd—Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today on the afternoon with a delegation of students from Columbia University.  

Lu welcomed the students from Columbia University to visit the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, stressed the spirit of the meeting between the two heads of state in Lima, and stressed that an important experience of China-US relations is to adhere to mutual respect and establish correct understanding. China attaches great importance to people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as youth exchanges with the United States. President Xi Jinping put forward an initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years, which has built a bridge for the two peoples to deepen understanding and enhance friendship. It is hoped that the students from Columbia University will get to know a real China through this visit, be pioneers in building a correct understanding and practitioners in promoting dialogue and cooperation, and contribute to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations. 

The students said, the 27 members of the delegation, all graduate students at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, come from 17 countries, including the United States, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil, Chile and Indonesia. We both agree that the United States and China should respect each other, maintain dialogue and advance cooperation. There are many global challenges in our time that can only be addressed through dialogue and cooperation. The US-China relationship is of great significance not only at the bilateral level, but also for world peace, stability and prosperity. President Xi Jinping's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years deeply encouraged us. We will actively respond to the initiative to encourage more students, friends, and family members to visit China. 

Lu responded to nearly 20 questions raised by students on topics including China-US relations, the Taiwan question, China-US people-to-people and cultural exchanges, China-US technological cooperation, China’s foreign policy toward Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS cooperation, and the Ukraine crisis. Prior to the event, a short video showcasing recent exchanges between the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the US side was played, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.