(via Wikimedia Commons)

The relationship between the U.S. and China continues to thaw, as evidenced by a recent two-day summit between President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, who both vowed to usher in a “new model” of relations.

That positive step has also carried over to Missouri, where a unique cultural exchange has kicked off with the arrival of the first of two groups of Chinese students who will take part in a program designed to foster greater understanding of young people between the two countries.

The visit is a win-win for both American and Chinese youth, Joel Glassman, director of the Office of International Studies and Programs and associate professor of political science at the University of Missouri­–St. Louis, told Don Marsh, host of “St. Louis on the Air” on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

“This is a great opportunity for a group of Missouri youth to interact in an ongoing way with this cohort of young boys and girls from China in an American organized activity,” Glassman said. “In fact, we probably stand to benefit more because China has been much more aggressive about sending their young people abroad, particular to the United States to further their education and to learn about how our system works and how our economy works and how they can interact effectively and successfully.”

Listen to the interview on the St. Louis Public Radio website.