On Thursday, a commemorative event was held at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing to mark the 55th anniversary of the "ping-pong diplomacy" between China and the United States. The event was jointly organized by the General Administration of Sport of China, China Media Group (CMG), and the China People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The event was attended by more than 500 people, including representatives from government institutions, international organizations, the sports and media sectors, and youth delegations from both countries.

On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the China-U.S. "ping-pong diplomacy."

The President of CMG, Shen Haixiong, stated that President Xi Jinping's letter provides important guidance for deepening China-U.S. friendship, promoting exchanges and cooperation, and will inspire further efforts to achieve stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Shen recalled that 55 years ago, the spring visit reopened the doors for people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States. Today, the political wisdom and strategic vision contained in "ping-pong diplomacy" are even more relevant, demonstrating the power of dialogue and goodwill in overcoming differences rather than confrontation.

He also emphasized that CMG remains committed to bringing people in China and the United States closer through exchanges and cooperation, and to promoting mutual understanding. As China enters a new five-year planning period, CMG is ready to work with all sectors to continue the spirit of "ping-pong diplomacy" and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jan Carol Berris, Vice President of the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association, who was involved in those exchanges 55 years ago, expressed hope that the spirit of mutual respect and friendly dialogue would help build stable and respectful relationships between the two countries, which would benefit their people and contribute to global peace and development.

Petra Erika Gummesson Soerling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation, described "ping-pong diplomacy" as a milestone in the history of table tennis and expressed her hope that its spirit would strengthen international friendship.

During the event, former table tennis players Liang Geliang, Zheng Minzhi, Connie Mae Sweeris, and Judy Louise Hoarfrost shared their memories of the historic ping-pong journey that helped bring China and the United States closer together more than half a century ago.

The CMG documentary "The Silver Ball: A Journey Beyond" was officially premiered at the event and explores how sports promote people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

The event also launched a series of China-U.S. youth sports exchanges for 2026.

CMG