US "Ping pong diplomacy" veteran convey best wishes to Chinese people

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The sport of table tennis occupies a unique status in China, as the country produces some of the world's top players. But the game has also been used for international exchanges.

"Ping pong diplomacy" in the early 1970s, led to the restoration of Sino-US ties. One of the US players that visited China nearly 40 years ago, has conveyed his best wishes to the Chinese people, and for the national day celebrations.

George Braithwaite is the former vice chairman of the US Table Tennis Association. He was also one of the delegates that came to China for the historic trip in 1971. 40 years later, he's been closely following China's development and has kept friendships with local Chinese communities. The veteran player recently took part in a friendly match, organized by local Chinese students, to celebrate the National Day Holiday. His match against former Chinese world champion, Wang Chen, triggered cheers and applauds from the crowd.