BYU China Conference 2026: Building bridges in a divided world

On Saturday, March 14, students, scholars and community members gathered at the Brigham Young University Conference Center for the universitys annual China Conference.

The BYU China Conference is a student-run annual event founded in 2015. The Asian studies program of the BYU Kennedy Center sponsored this year's conference.

The event brought together prominent leaders from a range of disciplines to share insights on the evolving dynamics of the greater China region and U.S.-China relations.

Students were provided with a platform for members of the BYU community interested in China to learn, engage in meaningful dialogue and build professional connections.

The event featured keynote speakers and breakout sessions, along with structured networking opportunities.

Philip Sun, the co-president of BYUs China Conference, stated, Many people wonder, why China Conference? To that question, I would love to say that the China Conference is one way we can have hard conversations, prepare future student leaders that might one day be put in a position that will lead and negotiate deals.

The China Conference prepared students by introducing them to leaders, mentors and future opportunities, while showing how their talents and skills could make a difference in an increasingly divided world.

You and I are the bridges between China and the U.S., Sun said in his opening remarks, I hope that we'll lead like Christ. Be the connector, the bridge, serve in our community, be the light of the world, and become someone who can inspire people.

Cara Vogrinec, a freshman at BYU, was excited to attend the event.

I decided to come today to network, figure out what opportunities are in my path, and how I can use my Chinese in the future," Vogrinec said.

Peter Chan, chair of the advisory board and adjunct associate professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology, first learned about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hong Kong and later became involved with BYU.

When asked what inspired the annual China Conference, Chan said, The idea came when I was invited to deliver lectures at Harvard and Cornell University. He noted that he participated in the China Education Forum and the Cornell Chinese Conference.

What impressed me most was how students ran these events at the universities, Chan said. I wanted to bring that to BYU.

China is the second-largest economy in the world The United States will always have some type of connection to China, Chan added.

Sean Stein, keynote speaker and president of the U.S.-China Business Council, said, We'll be faced with issues that are related to China. So be a part of the solution, engage with China, do what you can to learn and understand."

"As you do, (you can) challenge your assumptions, and operate in areas that you might not have been comfortable or able to do," Stein said.

Chan emphasized that the event is Not only about business or politics. It is multidisciplinary, and we want students to learn about different aspects related to China, and leave better informed across a range of fields, not just China itself.

He added that sessions during the conference cover a variety of topics.

Today, we will (also) have a session focused on Taiwan, Chan said.

He encouraged students to go beyond professional interests and build personal connections with Asia.

The theme today is bridge building in a divided world, Chan said. As BYU students and members of The Church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do have an obligation to be peacemakers," Chan added, Conflicts are more likely when we dont communicate. Friendships and dialogue, even amid disagreements, reduce conflict and build understanding."

Chan emphasised that the conference can help nurture these friendships and foster better communication when disagreements arise.

There are many people in China who are learning about the American ways, who love America, and want to continue that friendship, Chan said.

Chan recommended students not only focus on politics but also on the positive connections the United States has with China.

He mentioned BYU has been sending out its performing groups to China every year and that they have performed in very high-level venues.

Alexander Keogh, a keynote speaker at the conference, the 2023 North American Champion for Comprehensive Chinese Skills and a graduating senior from BYU, shared one of his many meaningful experiences with China.

He traveled with BYU choirs last summer during their tour of China, introducing the choir in Mandarin and performing at the Forbidden City.

I introduced us in Chinese and talked about the unique relationship BYU has with China. That we were one of the first foreign universities to visit China in 1979, during the reform and opening-up period, Keogh said.

He also performed a solo for the first lady. It was very meaningful to the Chinese people, because (music is) something they really value, Keogh added.

I learned Chinese not for money or personal achievement but to build bridges and build peace between our cultures," Keogh said.

Sometimes peacemakers need to be uncomfortable and go out and make friends with people who are different from us. When we do that, ideas and inspiration come on how we can be better friends, Chan said.

Chan said fewer students registered for the event this year compared to other years, raising questions about whether the current political division is what has caused a drop in attendees.

We are grateful for the (Kennedy Center) sponsorship, and I hope we can continue to do this conference, said Chan.

Youchi Zhang, director of operations, said, The title, 'Build a bridge,' suggests to create the spirit of unity, peace, hope and prosperity.

He said his hope was that everyone would take on the messages to learn, grow, build friendships, and have more hope for the future.

Another student attendee, Joseph Baird, said, I love Chinese. I got into Chinese because I served my mission in Los Angeles, California, Mandarin speaking. After that, I decided I just wanted to be involved in China in any way possible.

When I got back from my mission, my goal was to figure out how to live in China. I later discovered BYUs Chinese Conference and attended it in 2023. It was just awesome," Baird said.

Many students reported being positively impacted by these conferences; the connections and friendships were evident throughout the event.

Jeffery Wu, BYU alumnus and 2015 co-president at BYUs China Conference, said, I can tell you truthfully that the most meaningful experience of my entire 5 years was serving here in this school. It was here that I truly understood BYU's motto. 'Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.'

Wu ended with, Dont wait for the world to change, be the bridge.