Wyoming is playing a notable role in fostering diplomatic understanding between China and the United States, Wyoming News Now reports.
Last week, seven Chinese delegates visited Cheyenne as part of a program hosted by the Washington-based American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). The initiative aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations and provide the delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the American way of life, with a special focus on Wyoming.
The delegation included professionals from various fields, such as a supreme court judge, a college professor, and the first secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During their three-day visit, the group toured significant Wyoming institutions, including the Wyoming Supreme Court, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and the Wyoming Air Guard. They also explored local shops in downtown Cheyenne and engaged with community leaders like Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins and Senator Affie Ellis.
The exchange program provided an open platform for discussions on diverse topics ranging from the US healthcare and education systems to military operations and cryptocurrency.
Bryan Pedersen, the President of ACYPL and host of the delegation, expressed hope that the visit would leave a lasting impression on the delegates.
“I think they’re going to come back to China with something really amazing and Wyoming at the top,” Pedersen remarked.
Pedersen’s passion for these exchanges is deeply personal. As a father to two children adopted from China, he is acutely aware of the importance of fostering mutual understanding. Reflecting on past challenges, he noted:
“If things escalate with China, it is highly likely that life will be tough on my children with bullying and racism… It happened during the pandemic since the origin of the virus was in Wuhan, and it will happen again if we don’t try to make things better between our nations.”
Since 2005, Pedersen has facilitated similar exchanges with delegations from countries including India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and New Zealand. His optimism about US-China relations stems from the interconnected nature of the two countries.
“Our economies are connected, our peoples are connected. I believe it’s through exchanges like this and ongoing conversation that we’ll end up with a better outcome with China,” he said.
The ACYPL, which has hosted similar programs with 129 countries since its inception in 1966, continues to highlight Wyoming’s unique charm and values in these cultural exchanges. Pedersen emphasized his pride in showcasing his home state.
“Everybody loves where they’re from, and I love Wyoming more than anywhere else on the planet. To have them walk away with not only a better understanding of the United States, but specifically with Wyoming, that’s my goal.”
