On June 19, 2026, the Dragon Boat Festival, Xie Feng, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, invited Mr. Sycos, Ms. Chi Ou, Ryan, Angelina Jolie, and other old and new American friends to the embassy. Minister-Counselor Shen Xuesong and Counselor Liu Chang also attended.
Xie Feng said that in mid-May, he was deeply moved by the video of Mr. Sycos and Ms. Yin Yuzhen's transoceanic "family reunion," and immediately shared it on X, posting, "A kind heart can nurture a forest." Today, not only was Mr. Sycos invited, but also Ms. Chi Ou, who participated in the same Sino-US teacher exchange program and has been teaching in Luoyang for 12 years.
Xie Feng said that the Chinese people cherish friendship and will never forget old friends. The history of Sino-US relations is a history of mutual progress between the two peoples. By working together, starting with practical actions, China and the US can accomplish many great things that benefit the people of both countries and promote world peace, prosperity, and progress.
Xie Feng said that just two and a half years after President Xi Jinping proposed the "50,000 in 5 Years" initiative, more than 50,000 American teenagers have already visited China, achieving the expected goal ahead of schedule. Ryan and Angelina are two young people who participated in and practiced this initiative.
Xie Feng said that the Beijing meeting between the Chinese and American heads of state opened a new chapter in friendly exchanges between the two peoples. We should learn from Mr. "Sycos" and Ms. Chiou, starting with ourselves, starting now, and starting with practical actions; inspiring more people to share their experiences and insights, spreading the moving stories of friendship between the Chinese and American people; passing the torch, cultivating a younger generation to firmly grasp the baton and bravely become leaders, injecting new impetus into the constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the United States.
"Sycos" said, "I am not a celebrity; I am just an ordinary teacher with a grateful heart who wants to do something for China, to express my gratitude to China." Chiou said, "I deeply care about China; China has long been my second home." Ryan said, "Even with language and cultural differences, countless beautiful things bring us together." Angelina Jolie said, "I only stayed in China for a week and a half, but I felt a tremendous change. China changed the way I see things and the way I think."
Xie Feng, on behalf of the relevant Chinese authorities, invited "Sycos" to visit China again and issued him a visa. "Sycos" expressed his deep gratitude and said he couldn't wait to revisit his homeland.
