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To pass down friendship between Chinese, American peoples from generation to generation

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By Zhang Penghui, People’s Daily

The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in the people and the source of strength lies in the friendship between their peoples, said Chinese President Xi Jinping when replying a letter from John Easterbrook, grandson of former U.S. General Joseph Stilwell.
In his reply, Xi thanked Easterbrook for the letter sharing the story about the friendly exchanges between General Stilwell and several generations of the Stilwell family and China.
Xi said he is glad to see that General Stilwell’s dedication to friendship between China and the United States has been passed down to the fifth generation of his family, expressing his hope and belief that the Stilwell family would continue to contribute to the development of friendship between the two peoples.
“I am quite honored to have received his letter,” said Easterbrook when receiving a telephone interview from People’s Daily, adding that he was still digesting the most kind words from Xi.
The octogenarian noted that Xi is very familiar with General Stilwell’s experience in and contribution to China, as well as the long-term friendly exchanges between the Stilwell family and China.
He said he is very moved by Xi’s knowledge of the commemorative events to mark the 140th birth anniversary of General Stilwell recently held in Chongqing, China, and by Xi’s humanity in noting that the fifth generation of the Stilwell family is being immersed in the Stilwell legacy.
Recently, Easterbrook wrote a letter to Xi, recalling Stilwell’s exchanges with China and the Chinese people, introducing the efforts by the Stilwell family and his descendants to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the United States and China, paying tribute to Xi’s long-term support in this regard, extending gratitude to the Chinese government and people for not forgetting old friends, and expressing the Stilwell family’s wish and determination to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Easterbrook said he wrote to Xi because he wanted to thank the Chinese President for his support of people-to-people activities between the United States and China.
This year marks the 140th birth anniversary of General Stilwell. The Stilwell Museum in Chongqing, preserving the shared historical memory of the Stilwell family and the U.S.-China relationship, has become another important venue for U.S.-China people-to-people exchanges and a witness to the friendship between the two peoples.
Easterbrook told People’s Daily that the commemorative events to mark the 140th birth anniversary of General Stilwell held in the museum were successful and meaningful, adding that the two countries must ensure that the friendship between the two peoples is passed down from generation to generation.
Xi said that General Stilwell was an old friend of the Chinese people, who gave active support to China’s cause of liberation and progress and made positive contributions to the friendship between the two peoples, which the Chinese people will never forget.
General Stilwell served as commander of U.S. forces in the China-Burma-India Theater from 1942 to 1944 and is fondly remembered as a hero who fought side by side with the Chinese people during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945).
The Stilwell family has long fostered friendly exchanges between China and the United States. His youngest daughter Alison Stilwell Cameson and youngest son Benjamin Watson Stilwell were both born in China.
In 1982, General Stilwell’s oldest daughter Nancy Stilwell Easterbrook and Alison started a scholarship program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in the United States. By raising funds through art sales, the program has sponsored over 50 Chinese students to study in America over the past 40 years. Currently, John Easterbrook serves as honorary chairman of the Stilwell Scholarship.
Easterbrook said the Scholarship symbolizes the profound friendship between his family and the Chinese people. With continuous donations, many Stilwell Scholarship recipients have participated in U.S.-China people-to-people exchanges, becoming envoys of friendship between the two peoples, he noted.
The two peoples should strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding and expand cooperation to continuously inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, Xi said.
This strikes a chord with Easterbrook. He said friendly people-to-people exchanges can enhance friendship, and his family’s exchanges with the Chinese people is an example.
He believes that in today’s international environment, which is full of challenges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges are specifically important and significant for deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
The commemorative events held in Chongqing to mark the 140th anniversary of the birth of General Stilwell, themed “Remember Our Shared Struggle for Peace, Carry on China-US People-to-People Friendship,” were joined by nine from the Stilwell family, including General Stilwell’s granddaughters Susan Cole and Nancy Millward, as well as those from the fourth and fifth generations of the family.
These events included a photo exhibition, at which nearly 200 historical photographs and more than 60 items provided by Easterbrook were put on display. These photos and items reviewed and paid tribute to General Stilwell’s efforts to resist Japanese aggression with the Chinese people, and looked back on the profound friendship between the American general and the Chinese people.
When receiving an interview with People’s Daily, Susan Cole noted that people-to-people activities lead to mutual learning and understanding, and it touched her that Xi personally joins and supports people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China.
“I was personally and deeply appreciative of being able to introduce my children to China and the Chinese people for the first time, thus extending the Stilwell legacy of friendship to the fifth generation,” she said.
“We will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with relevant U.S. institutions and individuals to collect, organize and study relevant archives, documents and items, so as to publicize General Stilwell’s affection for the Chinese people and love for the Chinese culture, as well as his historical contributions to people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S.,” said Tao Yan, the curator of the Stilwell Museum, located in Yuzhong district of Chongqing.
“We will build an enduring bridge to pass down the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation,” Tao added.
Easterbrook said it is important to encourage more people to join people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China, and the Stilwell family will continue to look for ways to engage with the Chinese people.
“After all, the more we get to know each other the more we realize that we have much in common with basic wants, needs, and dreams. With that understanding, we can build on common objectives to make the world a better place,” he remarked.

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China’s new chapter in global innovation

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By Gu Yekai, Liu Yiqing, People’s Daily

At a smart construction project site managed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, a quiet technological revolution is underway. Amid cranes and concrete, engineers are deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could fundamentally reshape the construction industry.

Li Fengjian, an AI specialistwith Xianyuan Technology, detailed how the company’s latest intelligent system – built on a large model – adapts to complex construction environments.”Engineering machinery equipped with intelligent agents can adjust its operations automatically in response to weather conditions,” Li explained, adding that a spatiotemporal sensing network further enhances the system, providing real-time tracking of both personnel and materials throughout the construction site.

In February this year, Xianyuan Technology rapidly integrated its self-developed model with DeepSeek-R1, effectively blending a general-purpose framework with industry-specific models. This integration, Li noted, has produced a solution capable of delivering expert-level performance in challenging, dynamic environments. The firm is based in the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, aburgeoning AI incubator that now hosts over 200 innovative enterprises.

China’s technological transformation extends well beyond the construction sector. Overthe past three decades, the country has evolved from its initial forays into internet connectivity to becoming a key player in global digital innovation.

Here, a steady stream of technological innovations are emerging, from the early days of emails and web browsing to the cutting-edge technologies represented by DeepSeek and the dynamic evolution of social media.

Wu Jianping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and headof the Zhongguancun Laboratory, pointed out that while China had introduced only one internet standard before 2005, it now contributes to over 200 worldwide. Such strides illustrate the country’s concerted push toward high-level technological self-reliance – a journey marked by both persistence and determination.

Beyond the digital realm, China is makingsignificant inroads in aerospace, new energy, and other high-tech sectors. It has transitioned from being a follower to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders, and in some areas, even taking the lead. Wu attributed these achievements to a dynamic ecosystem of policy reforms and talent cultivation that encourages creativity and technical expertise at every level.

Amid intensifying international competition, collaborative research and the integration of new technologies with traditional industries are central to China’s high-quality economic development.

Mei Linhai, a researcher at China’s State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Intelligence, remarked that the age of AI calls for continuous exploration. “In this era, everyone is an innovator. Only by persistently pushing the boundaries can we remain at the forefront of both technological and industrial development,” Mei observed.

In the field of general-purpose AI, Mei emphasized that independent innovation is paramount. He advocates for a self-driven industrial ecosystem that leveragesbreakthrough technologies to boost productivity and unlock new possibilities, Mei said.

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Chinese democracy in action:a village bench meeting shapes national law

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By Wei Zhezhe, Liu Botong, People’s Daily

In a modest corner of Jiangmen, south China’s Guangdong province, residents of Weidong village are experiencing firsthand a form of democracy that starts at the grassroots level and reverberates all the way to Beijing.

Wu Tengxin, a local villager who relies on a scooter for daily mobility after contracting polio, recalls a time when the village’s public spaces were ill-equipped for people with disabilities. Now, thanks to a simple suggestion made during a meeting, his everyday life has changed.

In November 2022, a team from a local legislative outreach office – a branch of China’sNational People’s Congress (NPC) – visited Weidong village and set up a “bench-style meeting.” Residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, gathered to voice their concerns about inadequate accessibility.

Amid the conversation, Wu offered a straightforward proposal: “I hope rural accessible facilities can be improved to make mobility easier for people with disabilities and the elderly.” His words were relayed verbatim to lawmakers.

The response was swift. On June 28, 2023, at the third session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, legislators passed a law on building a barrier-free living environment. The law stipulates that improvements”shall align with social and economic development levels, coordinate urban and rural progress, and gradually narrow the gap in infrastructure between urban and rural areas.”

Today, Wu observes that the village’s main roads and public squares have been upgraded with accessibility features that make getting around considerably easier.

This episode illustrates what Chinese officials call “whole-process people’s democracy” – a system where citizen input is woven into every stage of policy development.

Jilie Ziri, head of Abuluoha village in Butuo county, southwest China’s Sichuan province, remarked that for young generations in China, democracy has become a lived experience. “Villagers are the masters of village affairs,” he said, emphasizing how active villager participation has injected new vitality into local governance.

Experts point to consultative democracy as a cornerstone of this process. Tao Kaiyuan, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, underscores the important role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, whose members hail from every stratum of society and bring a wealth of expertise and connections.

Their regular forums, field research, and public consultations have created robust channels for citizens to contribute ideas and forge consensus.”This approach gathers collective wisdom and transforms public voices into policy,” Tao said.

Another crucial manifestation is the effectiveness of China’s political party system. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Chinese democratic parties actively fulfill their duties, offering recommendations that often translate into concrete policy decisions. This integrated approach demonstrates the unique strengths of China’s political system and the advantages of whole-process people’s democracy.

Tao emphasized that whole-process people’s democracyhas evolved into an efficient and dynamic democratic practice – one that not only reflects the essence of socialist democracy but also presents a pioneering model of political civilization, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance and democratic development.

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Chinese modernization: blueprint for global progress

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By He Yin, People’s Daily

At China’s recent annual “two sessions,” Chinese modernization once again captured global attention. International observers are closely following a range of new measures designed not only to accelerate Chinese domestic transformation but also to unlock fresh opportunities for global development.

They believe that Chinese modernization, built on a foundation of openness and cooperation, will continue to yield global benefits with each new milestone.

Today, China stands as a formidable force in the global economy – accounting for around 18 percent of the global economy and nearly 30 percent of world manufacturing output. Year after year, the nation has contributed about 30 percent to global economic growth. With import and export records with almost all countries and regions designated in the United Nations Statistics Division, the country is a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. In 2024, its exports to over 160 countries and regions saw growth.

Often hailed as the “world’s largest developing country,”the “second-largest economy,””world’s factory,””global market,” and “innovation powerhouse,” China is increasingly viewed as a beacon of stability and progress.

In recent years, high-profile events such as the seventh China International Import Expo – where intended deals exceeded $80 billion – and the establishment of over 1.239 million foreign-invested enterprises have reinforced the nation’s reputation as a vast, dynamic market.

Meanwhile, policies encouraging Chinese companies to “go global” have seen a steady stream of new technologies, goods, and services permeate international markets, knitting the country ever tighter into global value chains and bolstering its commitment to win-win cooperation.

The influence of Chinese modernization is evident far beyond its borders. In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadera has repeatedly screened China’s political documentary Carry the Reform Through to the End for cabinet discussions, while officialsin Uzbekistan are adapting China’s poverty-reduction experience to suit their national context. These moves challenge the assumption that modernization must follow Western models, suggesting that China’s alternative pathway offers a viable route to development.

Beyond economic growth, Chinese modernization is increasingly celebrated for its potential to foster win-win cooperation and shared prosperity.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for example, Kazakhstan secured its first maritime access and Laos launched its first modern railway. Support from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has propelled over 160 projects, benefiting more than 30 million people. Moreover, China has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, signaling its commitment to an open and inclusive global economy.

China’s modernization agenda also tackles global challenges head on. In response to global environmental risks, China advocates for building a community of all life on the Earth. To bridge the digital and AI divide, it has launched the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All to ensure that technological advancements benefit every corner of the globe.

On the security front, China continues to promote dialogue and reconciliation in conflict zones while engaging in multilateral security collaborations, reinforcing its reputation as a nation committed to peace and stability.

By proposing initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilizations Initiative, China is not just charting its own course toward modernization but championing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization – one that seeks to ensure that no nation is left behind on the path to prosperity.

The global appeal of Chinese modernization is far from accidental. Decades of reform and opening up have accelerated its development while enabling the country to contribute to global governance. On the international stage, it has taken on a leadership role – actively shaping global norms, building a community with a shared future for mankind, and advancing world peace and development. By sharing its successful experiences and technological advancements, the country seeks to help other developing countries chart their own courses toward progress.

With over 1.4 billion people engaged in this modernization journey – a number that surpasses the total population of all developed countries combined – China’s approach is redefining the global modernization landscape. For China, modernization is not solely a national endeavor but a blueprint for global progress – a vision that promises a more inclusive future for all.

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