Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily（Reporter Hei Hongwei）news: On the evening of July 21, 2025, at the China-U.S. Flying Tigers Friendship and Cooperation Forum, Max West Rasilla, a student from Al Fred University in the U.S., dressed in traditional Chinese attire, performed the ancient guzheng piece "Yu Zhou Chang Wan (Fisherman's Song at Dusk)" with masterful technique. The Eastern charm within the traditional melody resonated with thunderous applause from both Chinese and American teachers and students.

Photo shows Max West Rasilla, a student from Al Fred University in the U.S. dressed in traditional Chinese attire, performs a guzheng piece. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Hei Hongwei)

"I started learning Chinese in junior high school and later became fascinated with the traditional Chinese instrument, the guzheng. I even minored in Chinese during university," Max confessed. He expressed his awe at hearing performances of the dutar and rawap in Xinjiang. "After graduation, I plan to pursue a master's degree in China, and I will definitely come back to Xinjiang," he said.

After the guzheng performance, Munisa Anwar, a student from Xinjiang Arts Institute, extended an invitation to the American students with a segment of Uygur dance. Chinese and American students gathered at the center of the stage, swaying to the cheerful music and moving their feet to the rhythm.

Anne Louise Simone Bouyer a senior high school student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said that experiencing Xinjiang's diverse culture firsthand feels so amazing.

"This was a unique cultural exchange, and I also made new friends. We exchanged contact information," Munisa Anwar said with a smile, adding that she had already made plans with her American friends to continue this friendship.

Photo shows students from China and America take photos together. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Hei Hongwei)

At the invitation of the China Chamber of International Commerce Xinjiang Chamber of Commerce, 23 representatives from the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and business leaders, along with 70 representatives of teachers and students from seven states, including California, Pennsylvania and New York, visited Xinjiang from July 21 to 23, 2025 continuing the "Flying Tiger Spirit".

Looking back to 1941, U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault formed the "American Volunteer Group (AVG), the 'Flying Tigers'" to aid China in resisting Japanese aggression. Over 2,000 American members sacrificed their lives, and more than 200 survivors were rescued by Chinese civilians, with many Chinese also giving their lives in the effort. The Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation was established in 1998 to commemorate this history and promote related research.

"The Flying Tigers story is a shared historical treasure of both nations," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. Over 80 years ago, Flying Tigers pilots traversed the Tianshan and Kunlun mountains to open the "Hump Route," fighting side-by-side with the Chinese people against the enemy. Xinjiang shares a deep historical connection with this period.

In December last year, the Foundation designated seven schools in Xinjiang, including Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Arts Institute, Kashi University, Ili Normal University, and Urumqi No. 1 High School – as "Flying Tigers Friendship Schools". Now, American students have journeyed across mountains and seas to Xinjiang, continuing this legacy of friendship.

"Over 80 years ago, the ‘Flying Tigers’ and the Chinese military and civilians built a deep connection, and today, we gather through the bond of the 'Flying Tigers Friendship Schools' to carry forward the spirit of courage, trust, and cooperation," said Su Wenxin, a student from the School of Marxism at Xinjiang University. She emphasized that understanding and friendship among youth form the foundation of relations between the two countries, expressing a desire to take action to strengthen the China-U.S. bond.

Sharon Renee Walker, a teacher at Central High School of Philadelphia in the United States expressed that seeing the colors of the mountains and deserts contrasted with the city skyscrapers from the air amazed her; after landing, the friendliness of the people, the abundance of delicious food, and the traditional art experiences all made this journey incredibly precious, helping students gain a deeper understanding of China's Xinjiang. She expressed hope that her students would carry on the "Flying Tiger Spirit," enhance mutual understanding, and forge deep friendships.

Dai Bin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Xinjiang University, stated that the designation of the seven schools as "Flying Tigers Friendship Schools" last year was not only an honor but also a "baton of friendship." "The courage that once enabled the Flying Tigers to soar through the skies is now transformed into the passion of today's generation to build bridges connecting our peoples," he said. "Let us take today's exchange as a pledge to extend the Flying Tigers story, allowing the friendship between Chinese and American youth to grow as resilient as the snow-covered pines of the Tianshan Mountains."

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