#China #Fuzhou #Kuliang #Milton Gardner #Sino-American

The First Kuliang Forum: A Celebration of Friendship

In a poignant moment on his deathbed, Milton Gardner, an American resident, whispered the word "Kuliang," symbolizing his deep connection to the place he considered home in China. For ten joyous years, Kuliang, located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, held a special place in Gardner's heart, even as he yearned to return there until his final days. Gardner’s story, unbeknownst to many of his family members, remained hidden until a Chinese student revealed it in 1992, sparking a century-long friendship narrative between the people of the United States and China.

Fast forward to 2024, this enduring bond was celebrated at the inaugural Kuliang Forum held on December 22, hosted by People's Daily Digital Communication and Global Times. Under the theme "Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust," the forum gathered over 150 attendees, including political, academic, media, and business figures, as well as youth representatives from both nations, to share insights on fostering friendship despite differing systems, cultures, and languages.

The origins of this powerful friendship can be traced back to a story involving special stamps that connected generations across a century. In 1992, an article titled "Ah! Kuliang" published by the People's Daily highlighted the life of Milton Gardner and his longing for his childhood home. Despite his desire to return, he never had the chance, and in his last moments, the name Kuliang echoed from his lips. His wife, Elizabeth Gardner, endeavored to fulfill his dream, eventually learning about Kuliang's location after discovering old stamps that led her back to Fuzhou. With help from locals, Elizabeth successfully journeyed to Kuliang, where she expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received.

In subsequent years, the legacy of Kuliang continued to thrive. In 2012, two of Gardner's grand-nephews visited Kuliang, reflecting the deep personal connections that continue to foster goodwill. Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated this sentiment in a congratulatory letter to the "Bond with Kuliang China-US People-to-People Friendship Forum" in 2023, highlighting that the connection between people is foundational for international relations.

During the forum, many "Kuliang Friends" shared touching stories of their roots and connections to Kuliang. Priscilla Brewster discussed her family's deep ties with China, reminiscing about joyous summers spent in Kuliang where they ran and played amid nature. She emphasized the miracle of returning to her familial homeland and the unbreakable ties of friendship that her ancestors forged, illustrating how distance and time cannot sever such bonds.

With impactful narratives shared at the forum, William N. Brown, a professor at the Xiamen University School of Management, spoke about how personal stories illustrate the deep connections between American and Chinese peoples. He shared anecdotes of expatriates who cherished their time in China, demonstrating that cultural and personal exchanges can create lasting relationships.

Another speaker, Jeffrey Greene, Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, recalled the legacy of the Flying Tigers, American volunteers who assisted China during World War II, epitomizing the strength and unity in friendship during tumultuous times. Greene highlighted the foundation's efforts to honor the veterans, further solidifying historical bonds of mutual support.

At the event, Avery Jade Prewitt, a student studying Chinese Politics, expressed hope and optimism about bridging divides and fostering student exchanges between the two countries. This aspiration echoed President Xi Jinping’s recent proposal to invite 50,000 American students to China over the next five years to strengthen cultural understanding.

Roberta Lipson, Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, underscored the significance of continued collaboration, particularly in addressing global challenges like climate change. Jack Pinnick, a 16th Generation San Feng Pai Disciple, shared his passion for traditional culture, emphasizing personal narratives as a pathway for deeper understanding.

The forum concluded with the launch of an initiative to promote friendly exchanges among Chinese and American youth, reinforcing that the future of the bilateral relationship resides within the younger generations. The attendees left with a shared vision: a hope for a lasting bond, as strong as the ancient cedar trees that have stood resilient in Kuliang for centuries. Through personal connections and a commitment to understanding, the friendship between the people of China and the United States promises to flourish in the years ahead.