US-China Cultural and Artistic Exchange Association
SACPE
Foreword: A Cultural Dialogue Across the Pacific
In 1992, as the world stood at a new historical crossroads, a group of pioneers, with respect for Eastern civilization and a yearning for Western art, sowed a seed in the multicultural land of New York—the US-China Cultural and Artistic Exchange Association was born.
As one of the earliest non-governmental cultural organizations in the United States engaged in Sino-US cultural exchange, our original aspiration is simple yet firm: civilizations are enriched by diversity, and nations gain confidence through mutual learning. In an era when information was not readily available, we firmly believed that true understanding cannot remain merely in news headlines and political rhetoric; it must occur between people, born from the exchange of glances and the resonance of hearts.
Over the past three decades, we have not only witnessed the changes of the times, but have also become an indispensable participant and writer in the history of cultural exchanges between the two countries.
We are building a "bridge of hearts" that connects us in both directions.
From the water towns of Jiangnan in China to the banks of the Mississippi River in the United States, we invited 76 Chinese groups to travel across the ocean, bringing the splendor of Peking Opera, the Zen-like tranquility of calligraphy, and the melodious strains of folk music to American cities and countryside. At the same time, we welcomed 28 American groups to China, allowing them to personally experience the vibrant energy of China's modernization process and the profound heritage of its traditional culture. Every handshake, every exchange, quietly melted away the ice of misunderstanding, turning "others" into "friends."
We strive to build national self-confidence and global empathy through culture.
Our confidence stems from our deep understanding of the profoundness of Chinese civilization; our empathy stems from our willingness to listen to different voices from across the ocean. In the face of art, language may have its boundaries, but emotions always connect. We believe that when an American viewer is awestruck by the artistic conception of a Chinese ink painting, or when a Chinese artist is moved by the tension of a Broadway musical, at that moment, shared human emotions transcend all differences.
Today, standing at a new starting point, looking back on the journey, we are proud to have been among the "earliest envoys"; looking to the future, we will continue to uphold our identity as people-to-people envoys, using the gentlest cultural power to enhance the most solid friendship between the American and Chinese people.
Sino American Culture & Performance Exchange Association wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, our team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.
Association History and Introduction
Cultural and artistic exchanges
Economic and social affairs
Educational cooperation and study abroad
Hot News
Excerpted from "Xi Jinping's Diplomatic Thought and China's Diplomacy in the New Era" (website):
Building Bridges of Understanding Through Dance: The China-US Youth Cultural Exchange Dialogue Held at Jiangsu University
2026.06.16
On June 12, the "China-US Youth People-to-People Exchange Dialogue," guided by the Center for International People-to-People Exchanges of the Ministry of Education and the Jiangsu Provincial Association for Promoting Friendship and Exchanges with Foreign Countries, and hosted by Jiangsu University, was held at Jiangsu University. Mark Keith, a tenured professor from Brigham Young University, and 34 members of the Utah Youth Dance Troupe, along with faculty and student representatives from Jiangsu University, engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme "Two Ends of the Bridge: From Pearl S. Buck's Cross-Cultural Writing to the Commonalities and Interconnections of Contemporary Chinese and American Youth."
Shao Weiming, Executive Vice President of Jiangsu Provincial Association for Promoting Friendship and Exchange with Foreign Countries; Li Hongbo, Secretary of the Party Committee of Jiangsu University; Zhang Hanshuang, Deputy Director of the Development Planning Division of the Center for International People-to-People Exchanges of the Ministry of Education; Zheng Xing, Third-Level Researcher of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education; and Wang Yongxin, Chairman of Zhenjiang Overseas Chinese Federation, attended the event.
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Excerpt from CCTV NewsWang Yi briefed the media on the meeting between the Chinese and US heads of state and the consensus reached."
President Xi Jinping put forward the important initiative of "inviting 50,000 American teenagers to China for exchange and study over five years".
2026.05.15
IV. How can the meeting promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries?
Wang Yi: President Xi Jinping once pointed out that the hope for China-US relations lies in the people, the foundation lies in the grassroots, the future lies in the youth, and the vitality lies in local areas. During this meeting, both heads of state mentioned the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges. President Xi specifically mentioned stories of people-to-people exchanges, pointing out that 55 years ago, China and the US engaged in "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," which opened the door to a more than 20-year-long freeze in Sino-US relations, becoming a major event in the history of contemporary international relations. President Trump also reviewed the history of exchanges between the two peoples, stating that the American and Chinese people appreciate and respect each other, and their friendship has a long history.
After China-US relations entered a new stage, President Xi Jinping proposed "Inviting 50,000 American teenagers to China for exchange and study over 5 years"This important initiative has received enthusiastic responses and active participation from all sectors of both countries. President Xi Jinping welcomes more American teenagers to visit and study in China. President Trump has also repeatedly expressed his welcome to Chinese students studying in the United States. This two-way exchange will broaden the horizons of young people and better shape the future of China-US relations."