Over 50 young delegates from China and the United States on Thursday gathered at the Stilwell Museum in southwest China's Chongqing to share insights on bilateral relationship.
Chongqing Stilwell Museum is named after Joseph Stilwell, a former U.S. general who helped the Chinese people in the fight against Japanese aggression during World War II.
In the heart of Chongqing, history came alive as the youth delegation explored the museum commemorating General Joseph Stilwell -- a symbol of the wartime alliance between China and the U.S. during World War II.
Participants toured the general's wartime headquarters, explored a photo exhibition on his life and legacy. For many, this was the first time learning about this chapter of shared history.
"This museum was really cool. I had never learned about this in my school. Walking through the museum and seeing about Stiwell general, it really was like, whoa, like why don't we talk about this? This is an awesome part of the war. It was surprising that we had such a good relationship and I kind of wish we had that good of a relationship now," said William Wyatt Bowman, an American student.
The exchange continued with a candid salon inside the museum, where Chinese and American students explored their generation's role in shaping China-U.S. ties. In a lively discussion, they emphasized open-mindedness, cultural curiosity and mutual respect as key strengths that position young people to bridge divides in an increasingly complex world.
"Stuff like this always just like sparks a huge interest in me of just going back and learning more about the relationship between America and China. Stuff like the media can never capture stuff like the hospitality of the Chinese people and just the amazing views and culture that this place actually has," said Brockton Ursic, another American student.
As the event came to a close, one thing was clear: For these young delegates, understanding the past isn't just about remembering -- it's about shaping what comes next. U.S. educators said the trip offered more than just knowledge, it gave students a firsthand experience of friendship in action.
"This museum that actually ties our two cultures together, bringing them here to see, give them a better understanding of culture and history from the perspective of other people. Countries are really just a lot of people who live together, right? And so the more people that they meet and they have established relationships with, that's the best part of our trips," said Mark ursic, executive director of Renaissance Academy.
Chinese, US youth forge ties at WWII-era Stilwell Museum
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
