Zhao Mei, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a researcher at the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, spoke to the press on Saturday about China's ties with foreign countries during a group interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Zhao shared stories that illustrate how personal connections can bridge nations.

She spoke of Richard Sears, an American nicknamed "Uncle Hanzi" by Chinese netizens, who is passionate about Chinese language and characters and even designed a website about ancient Chinese characters. Hanzi means Chinese characters.

During the past two decades, he has accumulated a wealth of information on his website, and today, his online hanzi database catalogs nearly 100,000 ancient Chinese characters, reaching users in over 170 countries and regions, according to Zhao.

Many foreigners, Zhao noted, have developed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture through his work.

Zhao also recalled a close American friend, a leading scholar on Chinese affairs, who visited Xizang autonomous region a few years ago and returned with three unexpected impressions.

"'The streets were peaceful, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway ran smoothly amid breathtaking scenery, and I could call my family in Boston with crystal-clear sound', he told me," said Zhao, adding that over the phone, the American scholar repeatedly exclaimed, "It's amazing! Truly amazing!"

Zhao emphasized: "To understand China, one must see it for oneself. That is seeing is believing."

Zhao used these anecdotes to underline the value of civilizational exchange.

"Exchanges between civilizations are essential for human progress and world peace," she said.

"Friendship between nations is built on bonds between their peoples. China will continue to embrace the world with openness, respecting and learning from different civilizations while promoting mutual understanding."