China-U.S. Youth Perspectives Illuminate the Path Forward at APEC 2023

As the vibrant host city of San Francisco welcomes political and business leaders to the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, a fresh wave of ideas and perspectives is emerging from an often-overlooked demographic: the youth. CGTN’s Enoch Wong recently invited young representatives from China and the U.S. to shed light on the expectations and visions of the next generation regarding global cooperation and more.

Gong Zhe, a Chinese influencer and consumer tech enthusiast, describes San Francisco as “a great representation of the American’s melting pot culture, with different group of people living peacefully with each other.” The host city’s reputation is not just a symbolic backdrop for APEC 2023 but also a reflection of the broader themes in discussion. Youths see the city’s diversity as a microcosm of the potential for international cooperation. The recent visit to China by Governor Newsom of California, popular among the netizens and young people for its candid and engaging nature, illustrates the importance of such people-to-people exchanges in fostering understanding and collaboration. “We need more young Americans living, studying, and doing research here in China, getting a first-hand, authentic, unbiased feel for the Chinese industry and academic environment. And in this way, you’re also understanding a different culture and a different way of life and thinking,” added Nick Sukiennik, an American PhD student at Tsinghua University.

A recurring theme in these discussions is the urgency of addressing the sustainability crisis, such as climate, biodiversity, and pollution. While China celebrated lifting more than 800 million out of poverty in the past 40 years — 10 years ahead of the goal set by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Secretary-General announced earlier in the year that we are leaving more than half the world behind with just 12 percent of the 2030 Agenda targets on track and more than 30 percent being stalled or gone into reverse. “We all live in this world. It’s one world. So, we should all be on the same team.” Young voices emphasize the need for a unified approach to tackle global challenges, reflecting a deep understanding of our interconnected world and the concept of a “global community of a shared future.” Moreover, the idea of healthy competition, particularly between China and the U.S., is seen as crucial for innovation and offering consumers more choices.

“It would have been a grave mistake and a huge loss for the Asia-Pacific region if the U.S. did follow through and block Hong Kong’s lawful attendance of the APEC meetings — this lose-lose mentality has no place in today’s twenty-first century.” The conversations also delve into Hong Kong’s distinctive position in APEC and as a member economy. Sukiennik’s experience, having graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and spent two incredible years in Asia’s world city”, offers an insightful perspective on the Chinese city’s role as a crucial junction and a key facilitator for Sino-Western economic cooperation due to its unique geographical and economic status.

Innovation emerges as a central theme, extending beyond technology to include new approaches in political discourse and international cooperation. The emphasis on inclusive engagement underscores the importance of cultural exchanges and academic research partnerships in fostering friendships and mutual understanding. Youths advocate for a more interconnected world, where diverse ideas and perspectives converge to create cooperative solutions that benefit not only China and the U.S., or even the Asia-Pacific region, but the entire globe.

As the APEC 2023 meetings unfold, the insights from these young minds offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap for future cooperation. Their emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and innovation aligns seamlessly with the challenges and opportunities of our time. In the backdrop of San Francisco’s inclusive ethos, these young voices remind us that the path to a better future is paved with open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a willingness to embrace our shared humanity.