A university student in Hong Kong who recently received a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that an ocean voyage, a food delivery app and having a curious mind helped break stereotypes and bridge gaps between Chinese and American young people.

Liu Runjie, a fourth-year electronic engineering student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), was among 20 young people who joined a China-US youth friendship programme and shared their experiences with Xi, prompting a reply from the president.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post on Sunday, 20-year-old Liu said the group felt excited, encouraged and honoured by Xi’s reply, which called on young people from the two countries to continue contributing to cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.

He said Xi’s letter was recognition of the programme’s success and encouragement for young people to participate in cultural exchanges and serve as ambassadors.

“What we truly saw and felt during the voyage, and the genuine friendship forged between us, could be seen, valued and recognised by the country,” he said.

During the two-week maritime exchange programme held in March and April, Liu realised that many prejudices and barriers stem from a lack of personal contact and authentic communication.