Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

In the history of diplomacy, certain events stand out as moments that transcend politics and ideologies, bringing people together in unexpected ways. 

One such remarkable chapter unfolded over five decades ago when the rhythmic echoes of ping pong balls reverberated across borders, breaking the ice between two countries entrenched in Cold War hostilities. This unique phenomenon, aptly coined "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," not only thawed the frosty relations between China and the US, but also sowed the seeds for an enduring friendship that continues to blossom even today.

The recent visit of the Peking University table tennis team to the US, commemorating the 52nd anniversary of this historic exchange, is evidence that the impact of Ping-Pong Diplomacy extends far beyond the confines of sports. The camaraderie displayed on the table tennis courts of Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the power of sports in fostering understanding, bridging cultural gaps and promoting global harmony.

The journey back in time takes us to April 1971 when the US ping pong team, having participated in the 31st World Table Tennis Championships held in Nagoya, Japan, accepted an invitation from their Chinese counterparts to visit the People's Republic of China. This visit marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of people-to-people diplomacy, transcending political rhetoric and setting the stage for a momentous shift in bilateral relations.

Fast forwarding to the present, the Peking University ping pong team engaged in a series of friendly matches across the US from December 12 to 21, a testament to the enduring legacy of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. The events in Washington, where mixed teams of Chinese and US university students faced off in a spirit of friendly competition, exemplify the spirit of openness and mutual respect that underlies the game of ping pong. The exchanges went beyond the confines of the table, delving into the realms of education and genuine human connection.

Professionally, China's national table tennis team is a dominating force in the world, with the teams based in Asia and Europe, rather than the US, mainly considered as challengers. Wu Bohan, a senior undergraduate student with Peking University who was among the team members to play in the US, told the Global Times that through his experience in the US, he noted that at amateur level, the enthusiasm in the US toward table tennis is no less than that in China. 

Countries around the world have become more closely connected. International exchanges among young people, especially college students, play a vital role to enrich their knowledge and broaden their visions  and minimize misunderstandings. 

Table tennis, as a medium of communication, can really bridge the gap between Chinese students and their foreign counterparts despite of language barriers. Limiting the vision into one single country may close themselves off and further discourage the development of their worldview. 

Peking University table tennis team visits the US and participates in friendly games to commemorate the 52th anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy on December 15, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Guo Yasong of Peking University

The history of Ping-Pong Diplomacy proves that despite differences in cultural traditions and social systems, the US and China can coexist, respect each other, and live in peace. Through personal interactions, athletes from the US and China can transcend the boundaries of nationality and become true friends.

The resonance of Ping-Pong Diplomacy is not confined to the sporting arena, as it echoes in the everyday lives of people on both sides of the Pacific. The sight of athletes wearing jerseys emblazoned with the word "Zhongguo China)" in various cities across the US becomes a catalyst for conversations, with locals approaching them to inquire about their sport and extending warm wishes for success. This attests to the soft power inherent in sports, breaking down stereotypes and fostering goodwill.

The visit of the Peking University ping pong team to the US serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Ping-Pong Diplomacy. Though the series of events have ended, the deep bonds of friendship formed among the youth of both countries have opened doors to further opportunities for exchange.

The spirit of friendship, mutual understanding and goodwill fostered by table tennis that originated over five decades ago continues to resonate, reminding us that even in times of geopolitical tension, the universal language of sports can still build bridges and foster lasting connections between China and the US. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from the past and leverage the power of Ping-Pong Diplomacy to create a world where dialogue triumphs over discord, and shared humanity prevails.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn