How can a cup of bubble tea or a piece of fried chicken touch people-to-people ties between two major powers? Perhaps the answer lies in those waiting in line. Food is an everyday "diplomat": It needs no translation and carries no ideological label, yet it can speak directly to the heart. When young Americans post pictures of Chinese bubble tea on social media, and Chinese consumers enjoy American-style fried chicken as a treat, they are engaging with more than just products. They are also experiencing the lifestyles and cultural symbols behind them. Long lines at Popeyes and Five Guys stores in China, alongside the opening of Chinese brands such as Heytea, Mixue and Naisnow in New York, reflect a desire among people in both countries to get closer to and better understand each other through everyday encounters with one another"s food and culture.

　　Whether it is American fast-food brands putting down roots in China or Chinese tea and beverage brands flourishing in the US, these developments point to growing room for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the US.

　　Church"s Texas Chicken plans to open more than 600 restaurants in China in the coming years, and Wendy"s, one of the major US burger chains, plans to open as many as 1,000 restaurants in China over the next decade. Meanwhile, Chinese food and beverage brands are also making inroads into the US market. The willingness of Chinese and American companies to invest real money in each other"s market shows that they trust local consumers, see strong prospects for market growth, and hope to further deepen economic and trade ties between the two countries.