Chinese Supreme Leader Answers Letter From Niles North Students

SKOKIE, IL — A class of students from Niles North High School studying the Chinese language sent a letter to Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China, general secretary of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, wishing him a happy new year in February. Last week, the students in Limin Dove's first-year Mandarin class received a personal response from the Chinese leader delivered by top diplomat in his Chicago consulate, Pioneer Press reported.

Zhao Jian, counsel general of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, said he believed it was the first time Xi had written back to a class of students in the United States, according to the Skokie Review. In his response, Xi told the students he had keen interests in "philosophy, history, literature, culture, music and sports" and encouraged students to study hard and work toward "a deeper friendship between the people of our two countries."

The diplomat and his delegation spent more than an hour talking to a group of more than 70 Niles North students, Pioneer Press reported. Niles Township High School District 219 Superintendent Steven Isoye and Niles North Principal also addressed the group.

Letter from Niles North High School Students:

Dear President Xi,

We are high school students from Chicago area. Our school is Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois. We are currently studying Chinese. We would like to write you a letter in Chinese to wish you a happy Chinese New Year.

We like to speak Chinese. We also like our Chinese teacher. We like to write Chinese characters and eat Chinese food. We like to say: “Fantastic! “ “I love you!” “Friend”“Keep going!” “So so.”“Hamburger” and “Tired!” We all like to listen to the music. But we don’t like to do homework. Do you like American music? China is very big, also very beautiful. We would like to visit China one day.

Do you like your job? Does your job make you tired? Do you have friends? Do you speak English? How old are you? Which country cuisine do you like to eat? What hobbies do you have? Do you like America? We think you are a good person, and handsome too! We hope you will write back to us. Thank you!

Wish you a very happy Year of the Pig!

From Niles North High School Chinese 1 students, January 14, 2019 (signed) All Chinese 1 students

Translation of March 21, 2019 response from Chinese leader Xi Jinping:

Dear Students,

Thank you for your letter. I feel in it your love of the Chinese language and keen interest in the Chinese culture.

Learning Chinese will help you know China better and make more friends, both Chinese friends and friends from other countries who speak the Chinese language. I see in your letter beautiful handwriting and accurate diction, which is great job! I hope you will keep up the good work! And I wish you even greater progress in learning Chinese.

I visited the United States many times, and was deeply impressed by its beautiful landscape, hospitable people and diverse culture. I have also made a lot of American friends, including young friends. My job is to serve the Chinese people. It is hard work but most enjoyable to me. Personally, I keep a deep interest in philosophy, history, literature, culture, music and sports. In fact, I acquired many of those interests back in middle school and they have stayed with me till today.

Young people are the future of China-US friendship. I hope you will make the best of your time, study hard, and contribute your part to a deeper friendship between the people of our two countries. Seeing is believing. I hope you will come to China one day and see the country for yourselves.

Please give my best regards to your families and teachers.

(Signed) Xi Jinping