Chinese and US doctoral students wrap up 12-day marine science voyage

Twenty doctoral students from China and the United States spent 12 days aboard a research vessel, working together on marine science projects and cultural exchanges under a programme titled "A Shared Voyage: China-U.S. Youth Friendship Program."

The group boarded the vessel in Hong Kong in late March and sailed via Ningbo to Shanghai, according to the programme's organisers. The voyage combined hands-on scientific work with efforts to build ties between the two countries' research communities.

Students collected marine samples, monitored water quality in shallow zones and operated underwater robots. They also examined krill populations and used instruments that some said they rarely had access to in their home laboratories.

Benjamin Acosta, a PhD student at Columbia University, described the waters surveyed as highly productive, noting the abundance of krill and larger species that feed on it. Meredith Kamm, also from Columbia, said the high-technology environment and the chance to work alongside a larger scientific community were new experiences for her.

Niu Lishan, a PhD student at Tsinghua University, said the group learned to operate underwater robots for water quality sampling and carried out monitoring and analysis first-hand. She credited the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping with giving young people from both countries valuable opportunities amid a turbulent international landscape.

Lesley Figueroa of UC Santa Barbara said she felt honoured that President Xi took the time to read and respond to a letter the students sent in April. Natalie Lafont of Harvard University said she hoped to gain new perspectives by discussing research methods with her Chinese counterparts.

On land, the students visited Ningbo University, touring laboratories and the Navigation Technology Virtual Simulation Experiment Center. Figueroa said the School of Marine Science, with its aquaculture tanks and variety of fish, stood out for its focus on aquaculture and fisheries.

Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and chief science officer of OceanX, said bringing people together over ocean stewardship, science and exploration was valuable, especially in a field where failure is common. Ray Dalio, founder of US-based Bridgewater Associates, urged the students in a video link to stay in touch and build on their shared passion.

Huang Wei, a researcher at the Second Institute of Oceanography under China's Ministry of Natural Resources, said such programmes plant a seed for future cooperation, particularly in marine science and climate change.

Geng Shuang, vice president of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, said young people in both countries shoulder a special mission to strengthen exchanges and carry forward bilateral friendship in the face of global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

Since the launch of an initiative in November 2023 to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programmes within five years, more than 50,000 have visited, meeting the target two-and-a-half years ahead of schedule.