Youth exchanges mooted for mutual understanding

Crisis of confidence

Quelch said that currently there is a mutual crisis of confidence between China and the US.

"China needs to be more assured of its ability to compete on the global stage with a more open economy. Conversely, the United States should trust its capacity to compete with China without resorting to unnecessary tariffs and defensive measures," he said.

"I believe that people and consumers worldwide will benefit from honest and fair competition between Chinese and American companies. Such competition will lower prices for goods and services and elevate the global standard of living."

Therefore, both countries should recognize that their responsibilities for global prosperity extend beyond merely protecting national interests, he added.

He said that maintaining international tourism and student exchanges, along with collaboration among educators and scholars across borders — free from political agendas — will significantly benefit the world. Consumers, in particular, will gain from this, as innovation will accelerate with such cross-fertilization and cultural interchange.

"Every time a Chinese tourist talks to an American on the streets of Manhattan, that's a small contribution toward harmony," he said.

With this belief in mind, Quelch launched an immersion program for US college students in August. Over 70 students from eight prestigious US universities traveled to Shanghai and Jiangsu province for a weeklong cultural exchange with their Chinese counterparts. The program, hosted by the DKU and the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, included tours of historic towns and museums, visits to tech companies, and seminars on the ethics of emerging technologies.

Having long admired and studied Chinese culture, Quelch's appreciation for its diverse teas and fascinating tea traditions led him to start collecting Chinese teapots in the 1990s. His collection includes ceramic teapots of various shapes, designs and styles, as well as metal teapots once used by people in the Chinese countryside.

As a history undergraduate major, he deeply appreciates President Xi's commitment to promoting Chinese culture and history. He lauds the efforts to improve accessibility by opening numerous additional museums, which allow more and more Chinese people to truly appreciate their rich cultural heritage.

He was particularly impressed by Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China located in Jiangxi province, which boasts a ceramics museum. Many individuals, including international artists, have set up workshops and long-term residences in Jingdezhen.

He said the museum functions not only as a storage place for artifacts but also as a driver for economic growth and a hub where innovation and design thrive.

"Traditional culture seamlessly merges with new technologies and designs here. Jingdezhen showcases a diverse array of works from students, young artists, renowned artists, and ceramic workers."