The Philippine Embassy in Beijing reported that, in celebration of the 2012-2013 Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE), one hundred twenty senior high school students from Xavier School and the Beijing Cui Wei High School, aged 16-17 years old, mingled with each other on 20 April 2012 and shared experiences and skills in the arts, music, and games. 

 “Although Xavier regularly sends its senior high school students to China, this is the first time that the students were more personally engaged with their Chinese counterparts,” said Brian Marana, Xavier’s Overseas Program Coordinator. During the program the students from both schools rendered songs in English and Mandarin, performed modern dances, and studied calligraphy.  They also had the opportunity to chat and partake of traditional Beijing snacks, while  watching magic tricks and a diabolo (big tops) show performed by the Cui Wei High School.    Many students also exchanged email addresses so they could maintain contact with their new friends.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing partnered with the Haidian district government to implement this youth-centered activity. “People-to-people ties are an important component of Philippines-China bilateral relations.  We hope that through these exchanges involving the youth of the two countries, mutual understanding is enhanced and enduring friendships established,” said Mr. Alex Chua, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy.

Haidian district is the second largest district (after Chaoyang district) of the urban municipality of Beijing, with a population of 2.24 million.  A suburban district that lies in the northwestern part of Beijing, Haidian is host to China’s Ivy League universities and Silicon Valley.