International students at Beijing Jiaotong University expressed their determination to continue serving as bridges of friendship between China and their home countries during an event on Friday marking the second anniversary of a reply letter from President Xi Jinping to Kenyan students.

Inspired by the Chinese leader's letter, the students highlighted how the message affirmed the value of young voices in international cooperation.

Looking ahead, the students aim to apply what they have learned in China — whether in logistics, transportation, or management — to benefit their home countries. They see themselves as cultural and informational links, fostering people-to-people ties and supporting initiatives like the Belt and Road to contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Two years ago, Xi replied to a letter from representatives of Kenyan students and alumni at BJU, encouraging them to continue contributing to the friendship between China and Kenya and between China and Africa.

He hoped that the students could learn professional knowledge well, continue the traditional friendship, devote themselves to bilateral cooperation, tell stories of China-Africa friendship well, and make greater contributions to the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

Jamlick Mwangi Kariuki, a Kenyan master's student, recounted his experience since receiving the letter. He shared his active involvement in China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and promoting bilateral friendship. "Understanding each other's culture, work ethics, and habits is the foundation of cooperation," said Kariuki.

He highlighted his participation in high-level forums such as the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and the Seventh China-Africa People's Forum in Changsha, Hunan province, where he realized the importance placed on the voice of the youth. "Our opinions and insights are also taken into consideration," he noted.

Kariuki, who first came to China in 2017 and has spent about five years in the country, praised the hospitality and support of Chinese people and his university. After graduation, Kariuki plans to return to Kenya to contribute to enhancing exchanges between Kenya and other nations. "I'm looking forward to any opportunity to help the country grow, whether working diplomatically, in education, or civic education," he said.

He encourages more Kenyan students to study in China, because while Kenya is still developing and trying to catch up, it will be critical to have many young professionals come to study here and acquire skills that can enable their country to grow.

Joyce Ling Chieng Ying, a Malaysian master's student in logistics management and engineering, spoke about the convenience of life and technological advancement here. "China is really convenient and developed," she said. "I've gotten used to just taking my phone when going out, thanks to mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay." She plans to work in China after graduation to gain deeper social and professional experience before taking her knowledge back to Malaysia.

Syrian PhD candidate Luay Ahmad, who is studying transportation planning, described China as "totally unique" with a deep culture and advanced technology in his field. "Chinese people are always open to helping foreigners," he said. After completing his studies, Ahmad hopes to use China's BRI as a platform to contribute to development in the Middle East.

Cambodian student Phearum Vannaseka, majoring in enterprise management, emphasized China's safety and rapid development. "Living in China is very safe, and everything is convenient," she said. She also noted the role of youth exchanges in changing perceptions, saying, "When you share your personal experiences, you can change how people view China."

Vannaseka plans to work in China temporarily after graduation to gain technical experience before returning to contribute to Cambodia's development.

Regarding the role of youth exchanges, students agreed that such interactions are vital for mutual understanding. Vannaseka pointed out that students not only learn about their host country but also share their own culture. Joyce Ling added, "We serve as a bridge, allowing true information to flow between countries and strengthen friendships."