A storyteller from the United States called for greater mutual understanding between the U.S. and China to overcome differences between the two sides, months after he retraced, for the second time, the route of the Long March in China, a journey that reminded him of similar values passed down through generations in the U.S.
Zhavier Harris, marketing and communications manager at the Springfield Urban League, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civil rights and community-based movement, made the remarks in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The Long March (1934-1936) was a military maneuver by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army that later became a defining episode in modern Chinese history, symbolizing endurance and perseverance as troops crossed some of the country's harshest terrain to establish a new revolutionary base. Some marched as far as 12,500 km, enduring hunger, thirst and cold.
Harris retraced the route of the Long March twice, in 2016 and 2026, marking the 80th and 90th anniversaries of its completion, respectively.
In an article written by Harris and published on the Beijing Review website, he said the two journeys helped him develop a deeper understanding of the meaning behind every monument, memorial and museum exhibit he saw during his travels.
He said he was moved by the real people behind the history, who had "sacrificed everything for something greater than themselves."
For Harris, the Long March spirit echoed similar values passed down from generation to generation in the U.S.
"What they call the spirit of the Long March, that's the spirit of hope and perseverance that the villagers and community members carry throughout their everyday life. What you'll see is that as an American, you'll see very similar values. They want a better community for their descendants. They want a better life for the future. And you continue to see it through their everyday experiences in everyday life as well," he said.
In his article, Harris wrote that the Long March spirit "is not just a chapter of Chinese history"; it is "a reminder to all of humanity that perseverance, unity, compassion and hope have the power to transform nations and change the future."
Learning more about each other's history, struggles and experiences, Zhavier said, can foster greater mutual understanding and empathy, helping people in the U.S. and China look beyond their differences and focus on the values they share.
"There are far more things that connect us than divide us. There are far more aspects of our humanity that we should embrace. And when we're able to empathize with each other and learn about each other's history, learn about each other's struggles and areas of perseverance, we're better able to come together as one humanity, one human race," he said.
American storyteller calls for greater US-China understanding after second Long March journey
