China and U.S. National Table Tennis Teams Mark 55th Anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy at US Smash 2026

LAPost/Ontario, California (June 26, 2026) — By Richard Ren — Ahead of the opening of the 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) US Smash, the Chinese and U.S. National Table Tennis Teams gathered Friday at the Ontario Convention Centre to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy, reaffirming the enduring role of sport in fostering friendship and international exchange.

The event followed the official US Smash 2026 Draw Ceremony held at Maverick Arena, where the tournament brackets for the world’s top players were unveiled. After the draw, members of the Chinese and U.S. national teams took the stage together to exchange commemorative gifts and pose for a group photo, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and the long-standing friendship between the two table tennis communities.

Deputy Consul General Huang Hongjiang of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles congratulated the Chinese National Team on competing in the inaugural US Smash and encouraged the athletes to achieve outstanding results while becoming familiar with the competition environment ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Speaking at the ceremony, Virginia Sung, Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Chief Executive Officer of USA Table Tennis, said the gathering was a meaningful way to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. She noted that bringing the two national teams together once again demonstrates how table tennis continues to unite people across borders and generations.

Sung said the legacy of Ping-Pong Diplomacy remains relevant today, inspiring young athletes to appreciate the history of the sport while strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the United States and China through table tennis.

He Xiao, Secretary General of the Chinese Table Tennis Association and Team Leader of the Chinese National Team, said the exchange reflects the shared commitment of both associations to preserving the spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. He expressed hope that athletes from both countries would continue learning from one another, deepen their friendship through competition, and inspire younger generations to carry forward the values of mutual respect and cultural exchange.

Following the ceremony, the two teams participated in a friendly exhibition featuring mixed doubles and doubles matches with players from both countries competing side by side.

One of the highlights came when Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha teamed up with members of the U.S. National Team in mixed doubles—their first such appearance together in Los Angeles. Chinese players Chen Yi, Wang Yidi, Kuai Man, and Wen Ruibo also took part in the exhibition matches, drawing enthusiastic applause from spectators.

The friendly matches emphasized collaboration rather than competition, with players exchanging techniques, encouraging one another, and enjoying the unique opportunity to share the court. U.S. National Team Head Coach Gao Jun and Chinese Women’s National Team Head Coach Ma Lin were among those overseeing the matches from courtside.

After the exhibition, U.S. National Team player Amy Wang described the event as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two associations.

“This is the second time we’ve had the opportunity to play together with Chinese players,” Wang said. “It is very meaningful for both associations to continue our friendship and embrace the legacy of Ping-Pong Diplomacy.”

She added that exchanges like these provide valuable learning opportunities for athletes while helping younger generations understand the historical significance of Ping-Pong Diplomacy and its lasting impact on international friendship.

Ping-Pong Diplomacy began in 1971, when exchanges between American and Chinese table tennis players helped pave the way for improved relations between the two countries. Fifty-five years later, the two national teams once again came together on the eve of one of the world’s premier table tennis events, demonstrating that sport continues to serve as a bridge connecting people, cultures, and nations.

The 2026 WTT US Smash runs from June 26 through July 5 at the Ontario Convention Centre in Southern California, marking the first time a WTT Grand Smash tournament has been staged in the United States.