[Explanation] On April 24, a special table tennis "match" is going on in Beijing Shougang Park.

Thousands of miles apart, Liang Geliang, a witness of "ping-pong diplomacy," and former American table tennis player Judy, "meet" the table through virtual reality technology.

　　On the same day, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the State Sports General Administration, and the China-American People’s Friendship Association jointly held the 50th anniversary of the China-US "Ping Pong Diplomacy" in Beijing.

More than 400 people from all walks of life in China and the United States participated in the event through on-site attendance or online video.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan delivered a video speech.

　　[Explanation] 50 years ago, "ping pong diplomacy" opened the door to friendly exchanges between China and the United States.

The witness Li Furong recalled the scene of that year, but his heart was still surging.

　　[Concurrent] Li Furong, a witness of "Ping Pong Diplomacy"

　　Before our visit to the United States, the Prime Minister met at the People's Congress and emphasized that we want friendship first and match second.

We understand that our visit to the United States this time is not only a table tennis game, but also a spread of friendship.

What is more impressive is that when President Nixon met us in the Rose Garden of the White House, he said that the Chinese and American people won the table tennis during your visit this time. Recalling this scene, I am still very excited.

　　[Explanation] Former US Secretary of State Kissinger also recalled the details of the year in his video speech. He said that "ping pong diplomacy" is an important event worth remembering.

　　[Concurrent] Former U.S. Secretary of State Kissinger

　　The invitation (to the US table tennis team) to visit China came suddenly.

Later, we learned that Chairman Mao Zedong personally instructed to invite the US table tennis team to visit China. He made this decision at the last moment when the US delegation was about to leave Japan to return to the World Championships in Japan.

At a time when there are differences between the United States and China over important issues, "ping pong diplomacy" represents what many of us expect for the future, that is, the people of the United States and China can be based on the importance of the two countries in the world structure and the world economy. Reach an understanding.

　　[Explanation] Liu Guoliang, chairman of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, also came to the commemorative event and talked about "ping pong diplomacy". He said that this is a history that should be remembered at all times.

Table tennis is just a carrier, and the tradition of passing on friendship and positive energy through this sport is worth passing on from generation to generation.

　　[Unlock] At the scene, Liu Guoliang also shared his new plan to establish friendship with Europe through table tennis competitions.

　　[Concurrent] Liu Guoliang, Chairman of the Chinese Table Tennis Association

　　Three days ago, I had contact with Persson and the chairman of the Swedish Table Tennis Association.

A week ago, there happened to be a video connection with Lao Wa (Waldner), and he wanted to use the line of Sino-US "ping pong diplomacy" to establish a good friendship between China and Europe and Sweden through the use of table tennis. .

Lao Wa invited me to create a "Waldner Cup" and "Liu Guoliang Cup". In Europe, he chose all the best players in the world. He picked them out. He was the captain and asked me to lead the Chinese players to a game.

　　[Explanation] On the same day, well-known Chinese and American sportsmen Yao Ming, Qiao Liang, Chen Lu, and Marbury attended the event and expressed their expectations of promoting the friendship between the Chinese and American people through sports exchanges.

　　[Explanation] Li Jianming, deputy director of the State Sports General Administration, said that sports play a unique role in enhancing the understanding and friendship between people of all countries and promoting the integration and mutual learning between different cultures.

　　[Concurrent] Li Jianming, Deputy Director of the State Sports General Administration

　　The Beijing Winter Olympics will be hosted in China next year. We sincerely look forward to and welcome athletes from all over the world, including the United States, to make new achievements on the big stage of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

We know that the relationship between nations lies in the closeness of the people, and sports is an important part of the humanities exchanges between China and the United States, and it is also an important way for the two peoples to develop and progress together.

The sports circles and people of our two countries are willing to continue to meet each other halfway and respect each other, so as to promote the continuous development of Sino-US relations and make our contribution to the creation of a community with a shared future for mankind.

　　Reporter Wang Shibo Ma Shuaisha reports from Beijing

Editor in charge: [Yue Chuan]