China-US relations expert revisits Soong Ching Ling's former home

International perceptions of China have been changing in recent years. A July survey by the Pew Research Center, covering more than 45,000 people in 37 countries, found that favorable views of China have grown more widespread, with increases in a number of countries. While perceptions of China vary across regions and countries, people's personal experiences, exchanges and interactions with China are also shaping how the country is viewed.

Beyond the macro-level data, personal stories can offer a more tangible perspective on these shifting attitudes.

Sharon Crain, a China-U.S. relations expert and senior advisor of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation, takes questions from journalists during a visit to the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing, Aug. 26, 2026. [Photo by Liu Caiyi/China.org.cn]

Sharon Crain, a China-U.S. relations expert and senior advisor of the Helen Foster Snow Foundation, revisited the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing on Aug. 26, bringing copies of letters exchanged with her.

Soong Ching Ling was honorary president of China and the wife of Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Crain, who first came to China nearly five decades ago, recalled being introduced to Soong by American journalist Helen Foster Snow. The two women later maintained a long correspondence, sharing stories about their families and everyday lives.

For Crain, the letters reveal a side of Soong beyond her historical role — a woman who listened with compassion, cared about others and welcomed people from different countries as friends.

She also recalled an electric coffee pot that Soong gave Helen Snow and her husband, Edgar Snow, as a wedding gift in 1932. Decades later, the gift was brought back to China and is now displayed at the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling in Beijing as a tangible reminder of their enduring friendship.

"I think of Soong Ching Ling and Helen Snow as the bridge; both were bridge-builders," Crain said.

For Crain, understanding and trust between countries are built not only through diplomacy but also through the experiences and relationships of individuals who continue to engage with one another. Today, she hopes younger generations will carry that responsibility forward.

"Each one of us must be the 'plank' in that bridge," she said.

From the friendship between Soong and Helen Snow to Crain's own decades-long connection with China, her story reflects a broad pattern of people-to-people exchange. Crain said she hopes younger generations will help carry that bridge forward.