Ambassador Xie noted that China-US relations have never been smooth sailing. But whenever challenges abound, there are always some who would come forward and speak up for the relationship. Harvard is a pioneer in people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. It is one of the first American universities to admit Chinese students, offer Chinese courses, and carry out in-depth study on China.

The China-US relationship cannot go back to the old days, but we can jointly usher in a brighter future for it. The hope lies in the youth, who are known for vitality, creativity, and the will to act. Ambassador Xie encouraged them to travel the expanse of China with their own feet, and see a true, dynamic and panoramic China; to put their heads together, and contribute wisdom to how our two countries can get along well on this planet; and to spring into action, promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States, so as to create a future of lasting peace and prosperity for all.

Ambassador Xie's speech was warmly welcomed by the guests, Harvard faculty members and students present, and received rounds of applause.

The theme of the conference this year is "Rebuilding Trust in Turbulent Times". More than 300 people attended the conference, including Founding Dean of Harvard Kennedy School Prof. Graham Allison, former Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton, Founder of the Peterson Institute for International Economics C. Fred Bergsten, Vice President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Danny Alexander, Consul-General of China in New York Huang Ping, Dean of Schwarzman College of Tsinghua University Xue Lan, other representatives of the political, business and academic communities from both countries, faculty members and students of Harvard University and Chinese students in the United States.