Zhao Mei, a senior research fellow with the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, is a seasoned scholar specializing in research on the United States and is dedicated to shedding light on China's realities on the global stage.

During her visits to the US over the past few years, Zhao, who is also a member of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, has engaged with scholars from various US-based think tanks.

"I found that while we may hold differing views (on specific matters), their attitudes toward us remain quite friendly. Not all of them bear a negative perception of China," she said.

"As scholars engaged in international affairs studies, we should make friends with ordinary people in other countries whenever possible. Only then can we gain a genuine insight into the local realities and better provide intellectual support for China's foreign policies," she added.

The American scholars she talked to also showed keen interest in realities about China, often asking questions like whether China's economy has plummeted, how to interpret the geopolitical disputes in China's neighborhood, and they might refer to topics regarding science and technology, she said.

"Their great interest in the real developments in China and their friendliness actually went beyond my expectations," Zhao said.

She noted that some people are anti-China just because they don't understand China and think that "the Chinese are taking jobs away from Americans".

"This reveals the critical importance of effectively explaining to all levels of American society about building a community with a shared future for humanity, about the story of China's poverty alleviation," she said.

"Also, we should let them better know why a good China-US relationship benefits both nations and why the two nations should not engage in zero-sum competition or compete to replace one another," she added.

Zhao has served as a member of the 12th, 13th and now the 14th CPPCC National Committee, and has received the annual award twice for her outstanding performance as a CPPCC National Committee member.

She has also chaired a study group for studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, and worked with fellow group members to systematically dive into The Study Outline for Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced topics.

"Telling China's stories effectively and conveying China's voice clearly is my responsibility and mission as both a CPPCC National Committee member and a scholar," she said.

She noted that while the older generation of China affairs scholars in the US, who witnessed the establishment of China-US diplomatic ties, has seen many of them passing away, the younger generation is playing a major role in research and policymaking.

"Many of them do not share the deep emotional attachment to China that the elder generations of scholars have, so their attitudes toward China differ significantly," Zhao said. "Therefore, it is crucial to engage effectively with the younger generation in the US and strengthen communication and exchange with the younger China experts there."

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn