Since ancient times, China's prevailing philosophy has been one that preaches "peace is most precious" and "harmony without uniformity." We always believe that though the Chinese and U. S. civilizations are different, they can easily get along with each other instead of repelling each other. As major countries of global influence, China and the United States should respect and learn from each other, seek common ground while shelving differences, and complement each other with respective strengths. In so doing, we can set a good example for different countries and civilizations to live side by side harmoniously and engage in constructive cooperation, making a contribution to the common development of humanity.

Last August, nine U.S. students from Snowden National School in Boston joined Chinese students in Hebei and Beijing in a 15-day program entitled “U. S. and Chinese City Students View China.” During the program, the students overcame language and cultural barriers, rose above perhaps one-sided views, and forged deep friendship through communication and interaction. The U.S. students learnt to sing the Chinese song “Jasmine” and paint landscape with Chinese brushes. “We like China.” These are words from the bottom of their hearts. The Chinese students learnt quite standard American English pronunciation and the American hip-hop. When it came to the time of parting, the students promised to each other that they would study hard, keep fit and meet again in the future.