"We"re looking to China as a leader of the futuristic vision -- that"s a big change from the past," Fannin said during a program hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, a non-profit dedicated to advancing bilateral understanding.

　　U.S. student Ty DeVito was impressed by China"s capacity for innovation during a visit to the Beijing Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone. He hoped the two countries could build on their strengths and work together to advance green development.

　　Chinese and American youths take part in a music performance rehearsal at a school in Nanjing, east China"s Jiangsu Province, July 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

　　KEEPING EXCHANGES GOING

　　Guided by the consensus reached by the two heads of state, there have been clear signs of stronger people-to-people exchanges and economic ties between China and the United States in recent months, experts say.

　　An important framework for dialogue has been established, laying a solid strategic foundation for further narrowing differences, advancing practical cooperation and keeping China-U.S. relations on a steady course, said Wang Dong, executive director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University.

　　China"s Ministry of Education has pledged to continue expanding the bilateral youth exchanges, turn short-term programs into long-term, stable cooperation, and encourage greater participation from non-governmental forces.

　　These efforts are intended to give the initiative a lasting presence and bring greater vitality from young people to the steady, long-term development of China-U.S. relations, the ministry said.