On March 28, Chargé d'Affaires Xu Xueyuan visited Shenandoah University (SU) in Winchester, Virginia, where she met with President Tracy Fitzsimmons and had an interaction with faculty members and students.

Xu expressed full recognition for the exchanges and cooperation between SU and Chinese universities. She commended it for actively seeking interactions and cooperation with Chinese universities despite the strained bilateral relationship and the impact of a once-in-a-century pandemic. The university has managed to carry out joint programs including Mandarin Learning Course and MBA, and has made positive contributions to China-U.S. educational exchanges and the friendship between the two peoples. Fitzsimmons and faculty members expressed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Chinese partner universities to enhance educational and people-to-people ties in the post-COVID-19 era.

Xu and the delegation watched performances of musical instruments and vocal music by teachers and students from the Conservatory, after which she made a few remarks. Xu pointed out that China is both an old and a young country with a long history and splendid culture. The scientific innovations in ancient China made important contributions to human society. China’s natural scenery, art and cuisines are popular among people in other parts of the world. Since the beginning of reform and opening-up, China has gradually grown into the world's second largest economy, making many proud accomplishments along the way. For example, China has won the battle against poverty in the planned time frame, and built up the world’s state-of-the-art high-speed railways. The electronic payment in China is very convenient. China’s young people are becoming the main force for innovation and start-ups in various fields. Xu also said that China still has a long way to go as a developing country. The 1.4 billion Chinese are striving for national development and a better life, and China is willing to develop sound and stable China-U.S. relations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

Xu had a campus tour to Shenandoah Centre for Immersive Learning (SCiL) and Esports program.

Founded in 1875, Shenandoah University is a distinctive institution that has grown from a small seminary 150 years ago to a private university with 4,000 students. This university has produced many outstanding graduates and embraced students from 47 states in the U.S. and 42 countries around the world, including China.