STORY: American students impressed by story of friendship in China's Guling
DATELINE: June 30, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:29
LOCATION: FUZHOU, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Fuzhou City and Guling
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BEHLAND ERIN ELISE, American student at Peking University
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BUESCHER DEVAN JORDAN DONALD, American student at Peking University

STORYLINE:

American students invited to a trip in China's Fuzhou said it's fascinating to learn about the stories of Guling, which is located in the suburbs of Fuzhou.

The story of an American couple's touching journey to find Guling is well-known among the local community.

Decades ago, an American couple tried in vain to locate Guling, where the husband Milton Gardner had spent nine years of his childhood before returning to the U.S. in 1911.

With help from the Chinese government, Mrs. Gardner fulfilled her husband's wish by visiting Guling in 1992.   

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BEHLAND ERIN ELISE, American student at Peking University
"This is actually my fourth time in China. I first came in 2016. And now I'm back finally to study (for) my master's degree. So I've had so many memories.
I think the 'Guling story' is a fantastic demonstration of the potential of U.S.-China relations. And it's just fascinating to know that we already have such a long history of relations between the U.S. and China. Having this story and telling it to other Americans, I think, would be really beneficial. I think it would be really exciting for us to develop that story further in the future.
I think youth is key. I think when you're young and you start building these connections, it's gonna change the world. When you have friends from other countries, you're being shown a whole new light, a whole new culture, and new ideologies that you wouldn't normally be presented (with). So I think it's fascinating to be able at such a young age to build those friendships and make those connections. I think they're the key to the future.
People meeting people is what unlocks the connections between humanity. So we're not just two nations together. We're actually just one people. And I think that once we build those relationships more, I think it's only gonna be beneficial in the future of U.S.-China relations."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BUESCHER DEVAN JORDAN DONALD, American student at Peking University
"Successful stories like Guling are really vital for communication and cross-border friendship.
When Guling (story) happened, I really feel that you're able to think all the way back then when that friendship first started, and continuing that discussion is really vital for the friendship and peace between the two countries.
That's really an impressive feat and really shows the Chinese friendship with America and how they can really ensure that the people-to-people success.
I feel that the importance of starting young and being able to increase cross-border friendships, even in high schools with America and China will be the success for the future. So being able to invite students both to China and America will continue the friendship and the dialogue that is much needed."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Fuzhou, China.
(XHTV)