Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues

Through the U.S.-China Student-to-Student Dialogue, I gained a deeper appreciation for the critical need to understand individuals' backgrounds, increase communication, and approach relationships with an open mind. While the conversations before the exchange catalyzed these important ideas, traveling with my peers solidified my understanding of these concepts in both personal and diplomatic relationships.

In the months leading up to the Hong Kong and Shenzhen exchange in May 2024, I learned more about the other students by discussing the roles of the United States and China in various global issues such as UN peacekeeping, climate solutions, and health information. I found my peers' opinions to be incredibly enlightening, and each conversation left me feeling more confident in my understanding of not only U.S. involvement in world affairs but also how its relationships can serve as both assets and liabilities.

In one meeting regarding U.S.-China green efforts, my peers and I explored the possibilities of the two countries leveraging their relationships to build sustainable climate solutions. Both nations need to support green energy efforts at home and abroad–especially in low and middle-income countries–and they have the capability to do so. In fiscal year 2023, the United States Agency for International Development mobilized $16.7 billion in climate finance to international partners. China leads the world in solar panel production, manufacturing over 80% of the world's solar panels. China is also a leader in electric vehicle production, with over 63% of the world's fresh battery power steered onto roads produced in China (a stop on our tour of Shenzhen included the BYD Company). If the United States and China increased collaboration and resource sharing in other countries, they could have a greater impact on sustainable transitions.

The first group activity in Hong Kong and Shenzhen led me to better understanding of my peers and our countries’ differences. In groups clustered by nationality, we discussed the historical events that shaped our grandparents' and our own generations. We drew parallels but also distinct differences as we discussed our grandparents’ usage of appliances, the impact of overseas wars, poverty, and religion. In these conversations, I learned the importance of understanding people's history in dictating their foreign policy perspectives and reactions to international challenges. By exploring how our national histories and cultural identities influenced our views on global issues, I gained deeper insight into the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the need for empathy and open dialogue to bridge divides. This experience underscored the value of the U.S.-China Student-to-Student Dialogue in fostering mutual understanding between the next generation of leaders in both countries.

The U.S.-China Student-to-Student Dialogue was an incredibly engaging program, giving us students an opportunity to engage in open conversation on topics of great importance to China, the United States, and the world. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the critical need for open communication, empathy, and a willingness to learn from others in order to build strong relationships, both personal and diplomatic. I look forward to following the paths of my peers and continuing our conversations.

Josie Krieger (G’25) is a first-year graduate pursuing a master’s in global human development at the Walsh School of Foreign Service with a certificate in refugees, migration, and humanitarian emergencies.