Editor's note: This year marks the 55th anniversary of the China-US Ping-Pong Diplomacy, a historic episode that paved the way for the normalization of bilateral relations.

To revisit the journey of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, this series features interviews with representative figures from the fields of sports, culture, economy, current affairs, and education — all of whom have contributed to China-US exchanges over the past 55 years.

Basketball legend Yao Ming's nine-year NBA career has made him a prominent symbol in the sports exchange between the United States and China.

As the first foreign-born player selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft without US college experience, Yao altered perceptions of China in the United States through his hard work and dedication, all the while showcasing the talent of Chinese athletes globally.

Now serving as the chairman of the Yao Foundation — a charitable organization dedicated to supporting youths in underdeveloped regions, Yao still addresses the same question: How can sports promote understanding between the United States and China?

"I am not a diplomat; I am a 'migrant worker' who went to the US to work," Yao joked, remembering that his primary responsibility was to excel as a professional basketball player.

He said he believed that culture is embedded in every individual, reflecting their background. "Shanghai is home to many foreigners, each with their own background. It's the same when we go abroad. We focus on our job first, then build friendships, and gradually integrate," he said.

Looking back, Yao realized he was contributing to a form of sports diplomacy. "The most important aspect of China-US sports exchange is the interaction between people," Yao pointed out. "Sports can make people understand each other's languages and cultures and bring people from different fields together."

Reflecting on adapting to life in the US, Yao likened the experience to transitioning between different levels of school.

"It's like going from elementary school to middle school or middle school to college, where you're reassigned to a new class with new classmates and teachers," he explained. "Playing basketball in the US is like moving to a new home and a new school."

He recalled discovering new differences every day, including different coaches, food in the cafeteria, and pace of life.

"Houston and Shanghai are two completely different cities. Shanghai is a very concentrated city, while Houston is spread out. Driving 45 minutes in Houston isn't far, but in Shanghai, it might only cover a dozen blocks," Yao noted.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that all NBA basketball players from overseas shared a common goal: "We all wanted to become better athletes, face stronger opponents, and collaborate with outstanding teammates."

Yao said that linguistic differences reflect cultural disparities, and learning another language is not only an experience but also facilitates a smoother professional journey.

"This is not just about sports; anyone who steps out of their comfort zone to seek development will experience these things," Yao added.

Yao highlighted the intrinsic competitiveness of sports: "Without competition, there would be no sports games." He added, "After the game, we can go out for dinner, watch a movie, or even have a drink. We know there's always another game."

In his view, sports teach people to respect boundaries within competition, fostering genuine interpersonal connections off the field. This spirit of "opponents on the court, friends off the court" encapsulates the essence of sports.

"Before me, China-US basketball exchanges were already happening," Yao acknowledged, noting that Chinese coaches had previously studied in the United States, and other Chinese athletes had played in US college basketball leagues.

"I'm just one beneficiary and follower. I believe this trend will grow, and I'm honored to contribute to China-US sports exchanges."

Offering advice to young athletes competing internationally, Yao encouraged them to "fully use their curiosity to explore the world and look at the world with an inclusive mind."

"Through these two qualities, you'll definitely find where you belong in the world."

Sources: Wenhui Daily, Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries