Nations' friendship still bouncing along

Deliah Autry, 30, is a member of the United States Women's National Flag Football Team, a three-time world champion, and a doctor of physical therapy specializing in pediatrics.

Last August, she made her first trip to China, attending the 12th World Games hosted by Chengdu in Sichuan province. The souvenirs that impressed her most included a Labubu doll and the games' medals, she said.

"The medal itself is so intricate and detailed, and has a little necklace. It is something that I would love to show my kids one day," she said.

The cultural events also impressed her. At the athletes' village, Chinese college students helped them try immersive cultural activities.

"We got to do arts and crafts, learn how to write our names in Mandarin. We got to try on traditional Chinese clothing, so it was just an awesome way for us to learn from them … a great experience and a way for us all to connect," Autry said.

She made her second trip to China last month. In Beijing, she took part in the commemoration to mark the 55th anniversary of China-US Ping-Pong Diplomacy and the launch ceremony of the China-US Youth Sports Exchange Events, which received a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping.

Autry said she now has a better and deeper connection to and understanding of Chinese culture.

"I am impressed by the people, how genuine and kind-hearted everybody is, and I think it is something that I have personally attached to you (China) because you see the true humanity and love, especially for sports," she said.

In Beijing, she watched a high school flag football team from Tacoma, Washington state, playing against a Chinese student team.

Autry said flag football is a great avenue to continue making connections between the cultures, despite language barriers and differences in cultures and politics.

"There were a lot of handshakes, high-fives, and smiles, and I think that just brings the positivity forward… It was just an awesome display of how sports bring everybody together," she added.

"There is a mutual understanding and respect for these athletes, and we all know that we are playing with the same passion and love for the game," she said.

Autry said sporting events and exchanges are a great way to show young people how cultural differences and language barriers are just small things and "what the true purpose is in life, which is to find a deeper connection with other humans across the world".

Last year, Autry met a lot of the players from the Chinese women's national team at flag football tournaments.

"I follow a lot of them on social media, and we are able to connect. And there have been times throughout the year where we have seen each other outside in other tournaments and it is just really awesome to build that connection," she said.