Ambassador Xie Feng met with old and new American friends including Mr. Sakolsky, who shared their China stories_Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America

On June 19, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng invited American friends old and new to the Chinese Embassy in the United States, including Mr. Ronald Sakolsky, who supported China’s desert control efforts; Ms. Gail Chou, who taught in Luoyang, Henan Province for 12 years; and Mr. Ryan Corkery and Ms. Angelie Melara,  participants of the“50,000 in five years” initiative. 

Mr. Sakolsky recalled his fond memories of China with deep affection.“When I came to China, I want to see the terracotta warriors, the Yellow River and the Great Wall. I want to live as Chinese. When I refused a ‘special treat’ and chose to live together with my Chinese colleagues in one room during a trip in China, I knew that I had truly become one of them, to be a ‘Laonei’ 老内, and not a ‘Laowai’ 老外. I am not a celebrity, I am just a common teacher that want to say thanks, want to do something for China to show my gratitude.” He noted, “this has been a reunion recalling my happy days in China. Now we are working to open a new chapter in U.S.-China youth exchanges and I will take on the responsibility.”

Ms. Chou shared the touching details of her work and life in China.“I am homesick for China. China is my home away from home. The gratitude shown by Chinese students always touches my heart deeply.”

Ryan said, “It was just little moments like these that really show you despite language and cultural barriers, there are things that will bring us together and those are the things we need to focus on.” 

Angelie said, “China has changed Mr. Sakolsky’s life while he was there for one year. I have only stayed in China for one week and a half, but I have already felt the change. I can say that it changed the way that I thought about things, it has changed my way of thinking.”