People participate in a friendly match during an event marking the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong diplomacy" in New York, the United States, April 17, 2026. Chinese and U.S. table tennis athletes, university representatives and local enthusiasts gathered here on Friday to mark the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," celebrating the enduring friendship fostered through sports exchanges.(Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

NEW YORK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. table tennis athletes, university representatives and local enthusiasts gathered here on Friday to mark the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," celebrating the enduring friendship fostered through sports exchanges.

A friendly match was held as part of the event, giving young enthusiasts the opportunity to exchange skills with professional players, including former members of the U.S. National Table Tennis Team and past champions.

In his remarks, Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li described the breakthrough more than half a century ago as "a historic step that changed both countries and the world."

He noted that 55 years ago, a ping-pong ball cracked the ice between China and the United States, creating the legendary story of "the little ball moving the big ball."

"Let's keep that Ping-Pong Diplomacy spirit going, and serve up some great shots for the future of China-U.S. relations," Chen said.

In April 1971, a U.S. table tennis team delegation took a historic trip to China, becoming the first delegation of Americans to visit China in decades. The trip was the beginning of what became known as Ping-Pong Diplomacy, which helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of official diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

Connie Sweeris, a former U.S. table tennis champion who participated in the groundbreaking visit, recalled her memories in a video message.

"In the United States, we would be lucky to have 200 or 300 spectators at one of our national competitions," she said. "So playing in front of 18,000 people at the Beijing Capital Stadium and hearing the applause was just a thrilling experience."

"What a thrill for us to be able to do that!" Sweeris said.

A Chinese table tennis delegation visited the United States in 1973, following the successful U.S. tour of China.

Rory Hayden, who served as an interpreter for the Chinese team during its U.S. tour while in her 20s, told Xinhua that the experience changed her life.

She encouraged young people in both countries to "open their hearts and minds" to better understand each other's cultures and build lasting friendships.

Brian Moran, chief of staff of USA Table Tennis, said the principle of "Friendship First, Competition Second" advocated during the early exchanges remains relevant and inspiring today.

"We find it completely inspiring for us," Moran said, expressing hope that the legacy of Ping-Pong Diplomacy will continue to flourish.

People watch a video message from former U.S. table tennis athletes during an event marking the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong diplomacy" in New York, the United States, on April 17, 2026. Chinese and U.S. table tennis athletes, university representatives and local enthusiasts gathered here on Friday to mark the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," celebrating the enduring friendship fostered through sports exchanges.(Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Rory Hayden (2nd L), who served as an interpreter for the Chinese table tennis team during its U.S. tour while in her 20s, prepares to present awards to children during an event marking the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong diplomacy" in New York, the United States, April 17, 2026. Chinese and U.S. table tennis athletes, university representatives and local enthusiasts gathered here on Friday to mark the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy," celebrating the enduring friendship fostered through sports exchanges.(Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)