(2 February 2026)

Distinguished guests,

Dear young friends,

Good afternoon.

Young people represent the future of our countries and of the world. Since I took office as Ambassador of China to the Netherlands, I hope to spend more time with young people and hear what you think and what you hope for. Today, I am very pleased to meet young friends from China and the Netherlands here at the Chinese Embassy.

The Chinese participants mainly come from Tsinghua University and from among the young colleagues of the Embassy. The participants from the Netherlands come from government, universities, and think tanks. When I entered the hall, I felt a strong sense of youth. It is open, confident and energetic. This atmosphere is truly inspiring.

We live in a closely connected world. Whether in Amsterdam or Beijing, Rotterdam or Shanghai, distance is no longer the main barrier. Yet real understanding between people has become more difficult. Dialogue is sometimes lacking. Misunderstanding still exists. Because of the above, the world today faces growing uncertainty and instability.

How we see each other matters. How we understand different development paths matters. How we seek common ground while respecting differences matters. These are shared challenges for young people everywhere. This is why we are holding this China–Netherlands youth exchange. We hope it will deepen mutual understanding and encourage young people to contribute to friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

Today, every country is exploring its own development path. China is steadily advancing Chinese modernization. The 14th Five-Year Plan has been completed successfully. Economic strength continues to grow. Scientific and technological innovation continues to advance. Green development is moving forward. Improvements in people’s lives are real and widely felt.

Looking ahead, China has outlined the blueprint for development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. China will continue to pursue high-level opening up and high-quality development. We will bring greater certainty and new momentum to the world, and share development opportunities with all countries.

This path is not a temporary choice. It comes from China’s long history of thinking and governance practice. The fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China presents China’s experience and thinking on governing the country. It is an important window for the international community to understand Chinese modernization.

The book reflects the core values of the Chinese Communist Party. These include seeking happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, progress for humanity, and harmony for the world. It shows China’s consistent commitment to mutual respect, exchange, and mutual learning with other countries. Through this book, young readers can better understand China’s development path, reform process, and foreign policy concepts.

In 2014, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the College of Europe. He said:

“Young people are always energetic and full of dreams. They are the future of China, Europe and indeed of the world. I hope that Chinese and European students will perceive the world with equality, respect and love. And treat different civilizations with appreciation, inclusiveness and the spirit of mutual learning. In this way, it will promote mutual understanding and knowledge among the people of China, Europe and other parts of the world. And with your youthful energy and hard work, we can make our planet a better place to live in.”

Today’s exchange reflects this vision.

Innovation is the driving force of progress. It is also the mission of young people. In basic research, young Chinese scientists developed the Jiuzhang quantum computing prototype.

They also made major discoveries through the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, or FAST.

In industry and culture, young teams created works such as Ne Zha and Black Myth: Wukong.

Emerging sectors such as drones and the digital economy are developing rapidly.

In fields such as aerospace, quantum science, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, young people are linking personal goals with national development. They are taking responsibility in tackling key core technologies. The government supports their endeavor through sound policies, institutional innovation, and a supportive environment. Young people have become an important force in developing new quality productive forces of China.

Youth exchanges are also building bridges between countries. The character Labubu, created by China Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, was inspired by stories he learned in the Netherlands during his childhood. Through China’s cultural and creative industries, Labubu became popular around the world. This shows that young people are both participants in exchange and creators of shared culture.

Young people in China are confident and open. More and more young people from the Netherlands are visiting China. They study on campuses, work in research institutions, and experience daily life in Chinese cities. They see a real, diverse, and dynamic China. At the same time, Chinese young people are gaining a deeper understanding of European societies and values through exchanges.

China and the Netherlands are far apart geographically, but we share the same world. Our histories and cultures are different, but we both value openness and cooperation. As long as young people engage in sincere and equal dialogue, different civilizations can better understand and enrich one another.

People-to-people exchange is the foundation of China–Netherlands relations. The future lies with the youth. President Xi Jinping places great importance on youth exchanges. During his visit to Europe in 2024, he proposed doubling the scale of exchanges of European youth coming to China over the following three years. This initiative injects new impetus into our bilateral relations.

To support this goal, China’s Ministry of Education launched the YES Program, the Young Envoys Scholarship Program. It includes inter-university exchanges, short-term study programs, and foundation programs. It provides support and facilitation for young people to learn about China and engage in exchange. I welcome you to follow and take part in this program.

China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for the Netherlands. This will further promote exchanges in all fields, especially among young people. We warmly welcome more young people to visit China, come to our campuses, engage with our society, see China with your own eyes, and understand China through your own experience.

I hope today’s exchange will be a new starting point for the youth of our two countries to promote dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. May you bring youthful energy to China–Netherlands relations and contribute stability and positive momentum to our world. I wish today’s event a great success.

Thank you very much and wish you all an early happy Chinese New Year.