China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Monday called for efforts to consolidate and develop a broadest possible patriotic united front in building China into a strong modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation.
Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the statement at a reception in Beijing to celebrate the upcoming 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Highlighting the extraordinary achievements made by China under the leadership of the CPC over the past 77 years, Wang said that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has made all-round progress in modernization and achieved high-quality economic and social development, with the people living and working in peace and contentment, and with the country's international influence, appeal and shaping power significantly enhanced.
On Hong Kong and Macao, Wang reaffirmed the commitment to comprehensively, faithfully and resolutely implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" in order to ensure that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, while the two Special Administrative Regions shall be supported in better integrating into and serving the country's overall development.
Regarding Taiwan, Wang reiterated firm adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and resolutely opposing "Taiwan secession" separatist activities and external interference, so as to advance the cause of national reunification with firm resolve.
Wang called for fully implementing the Party's policies concerning overseas Chinese and continuing to improve services for them.
The reception was presided over by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Some 750 representatives from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities attended the reception, along with senior officials of the CPC and the state.
China's top political advisor urges consolidating patriotic united front
A number of university students in the U.S. capital have shared their views on China's initiative to invite 100,000 young Americans to visit the country for exchanges and study over the next five years.
The program was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping when addressing a welcome ceremony at the White House during his visit to the United States from Wednesday to Friday.
Many of the students interviewed expressed their hope to visit some well-known places in China like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong.
"My dad's been to China for work, and he really loves it, so I'd love to go sometime. Maybe Shanghai. That's where my dad went, and he really liked it there," said a student.
"I've heard of Guangdong. I've heard of the basketball team," another student said.
Many of the students agreed that allowing more young Americans to experience Chinese culture in person would be beneficial for both countries.
"I think that's really cool to have the opportunity to connect with those cultures. And I really do like that idea. I think it's a great idea to invite us to China. It's great," said a student.
"I feel like the culture. I feel like getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures is really important," said another student.
"There's definitely value in traveling to other places and learning other cultures. So I think that it can be beneficial," said another one.
Even beyond cultural exchange, the students expressed their beliefs that American youth could learn a lot from Chinese society.
"I think, for me personally, it's the scale, with how many people live in China. I would definitely be interested in seeing how that functions, especially in those larger cities," said a student.
"I think I would like to know what their people are like. What are their thoughts on the world? On what the world should be like?" one student said.
"I think China's amazing. They're so far ahead. We're supposed to be the Western world, but I feel like they're so much more advanced than us in so many ways. I know AI and medicine are big things right now, and I think China has made huge advancements in that. So probably that," said a student.
The students also hope that the program will help strengthen China-U.S. relationship, promote educational exchanges, and broaden the horizons of those who take part.
"It's better for both countries to be connected and to build a better relationship over the coming years. And I think that's important to global peace and prosperity," said a student.
"I think it's really a great thing. I think different cultures, combining different cultures, and education is such a global thing, and having different students come all over the place and take classes here and there," said another student.
"There's a lot more to this world than what's right in front of us. And there's a lot to learn from different ways of seeing things around the world. So I think it could be valuable from that standpoint," a student said.
US students share views on China's plan to invite 100,000 young people for study, exchange
