Xi Jinping Replies to 110 Australian Students
The Chinese president responded in a letter to students who had visited China for a rowing and dragon boat friendship challenge.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Youth
Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to 110 young Australian students who wrote to him after a trip to China. The students, from the University of Sydney and other universities, had competed in the Sino-Australian Collegiate Rowing and Dragon Boat Friendship Challenge.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights people-to-people ties between China and Australia at the university level, a relationship that has seen periods of strain in recent years. Letters of this kind offer a window into how youth exchanges are being framed by Beijing.
The reply from Xi is dated October 28, 2026, and was reported by Xinhua on November 6, 2026. The group of 110 students took part in the challenge alongside Chinese university students.
The players
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China, who leads the country's foreign and domestic policy.
Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia, who leads the Australian Labor Party and its government.
The details
The students travelled to China to compete in the Sino-Australian Collegiate Rowing and Dragon Boat Friendship Challenge and engaged in in-depth exchanges with Chinese students. After returning, they wrote to both Xi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to share their experiences.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Xi dates his reply letter to the students.
November 6, 2026: Xinhua publishes its report on Xi's reply.
Youth Exchange Context
Exchanges such as the Sino-Australian Collegiate Rowing and Dragon Boat Friendship Challenge are part of a broader framework of people-to-people programs between China and Australia. Letters from student participants to national leaders signal how these programs are being presented to both governments.
For students considering exchange programs, the experience described shows that university-level sporting and cultural challenges can open direct channels to peers in other countries. Those planning similar trips may find that such programs involve competition alongside local students as well as cultural exchange.
The takeaway
Direct contact between students from different countries, such as through shared sport, can build personal ties that outlast a single trip. Young participants in exchange programs often gain perspectives that formal diplomacy does not provide.
Further reading
Explore more stories in our Youth coverage for context on young people's cross-border experiences.
