From March 29 to April 1, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) co-hosted the 16th Young Leaders Forum successfully in Dujiangyan City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Amb. Zhao Weiping, Vice President of the CPIFA and Mr. Steve Orlins, President of the NCUSCR, headed the Chinese and American youth delegation respectively to attend the forum.

Nearly 60 youth representatives from various circles of China and the US attended the Forum. Among these fellows, there are government officials, entrepreneurs, university professors, thinktank scholars, NGO operators, environmentalists, media practitioners, lawyers, ballet dancer and artists. Under the topic of “Aha Moment!”,youthfrom both countriestalked about the most enlightening events during their growth and experiences learned from their life. 

During the forum, Amb. Zhao Weiping and Mr. Steve Orlinshad a dialogue on China-US relations, and answered questions raised by fellows of both sides. The dialogue lasted two and half hours in a very warm atmosphere. 

Various visits and cultural events were arranged during the forum. In Chengdu, fellows visited Chengdu Hi-tech Development Zone, Tianfu Software Park and California Center, where they learned about the economic development of Chengduand its opening-upto the world. In Dujiangyan, they visited theDujiangyan Water Conservancy Project, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda and Qilishixiang Village Homestays. They also experienced Taiji under the instruction of Master Liu Suibin, the 36th head of Qingcheng Schoolof Taoism,and enjoyed local art performances. Mr. Yuan Ming, Vice Mayor of Dujiangyan City, briefed the fellows of theeconomic and social development in Dujiangyan.