Jan Berris on ping-pong diplomacy: When a small ball bridged two nations

english.shanghai.gov.cn| April 16, 2026

In an exclusive interview marking the 55th-anniversary of China-US Ping-Pong Diplomacy, Jan Carol Berris, vice-president of the National Committee on US-China Relations and a key participant in the historic exchange, recalled the emotional experience of reuniting with players from the landmark 1971 visit.

She reflected on the enduring significance of the phrase "the small ball moves the globe", and voiced her hope that sports will continue to serve as a bridge between the two nations, carrying forward their friendship to future generations.