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

The U.S.-China Student Dialogue is an exchange program designed to promote dialogue on critical issues in the U.S.-China relationship between students at Georgetown University and various Chinese universities. 

The inaugural cohort of 15 Georgetown students participated in three virtual dialogues with students from Fudan University, Peking University, and Zhejiang University during the spring 2021 semester. In fall 2021 a second cohort of 12 Georgetown students held a month-long dialogue with students from Peking University. During a series of Zoom meetings, participants exchanged their perspectives on global governance and U.S.-China relations; they also shared their experiences as citizens living in the globalized world.

During spring 2022 the initiative explored additional ways of helping students engage in virtual exchange. A successful third season of the U.S.-China Student Dialogue was held online, bringing students from Georgetown University and Fudan University together for candid discussions around topics including global governance and people-to-people diplomacy.

In fall 2022 and spring 2023 student groups from Georgetown and Peking University met virtually to explore topics on global development and the role of the United States and China in advancing global development.

 The expanded 2023-2024 program featured a yearlong, multilevel dialogue among students from four leading U.S. and Chinese institutions: Georgetown University, University of California San Diego, Peking University, and Fudan University. Throughout the year, participants engaged in virtual dialogues around the overarching topic "What responsibility do the United States and China have towards the Global South?" The program culminated in in-person meetings in Hong Kong and Shenzhen in May 2024.

In fall 2024, the program launched a series of dialogues featuring students from Georgetown and Peking University. The program culminated in a 10-day study trip to Beijing and Shanghai in March 2025.

The program has been a tremendous success, giving students an opportunity to engage in open conversation on topics of great importance to China, the United States, and the world. Browse below to read stories and reflections shared by dialogue participants.