Could a shared love of music improve relations between America and China? The US government thinks it can't hurt, and has tapped will.i.am to lead a benefit concert aimed at encouraging more American students to study in China.

The Black Eyed Peas member met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to announce the benefit concert in Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal. The concert is being organized by a non-profit called Americans Promoting Study Abroad.

In a statement released by the State Department, will said, "Kids from underserved communities rarely have the opportunity to study and travel abroad, and we want to change that. We must make sure that American students have the cultural awareness and skills necessary to succeed in a global economy."

One of the reasons organizers chose the singer/rapper was because he runs Peapod Foundation, a fundraising charity for inner-city Los Angeles youth.

Will the rest of the Black Eyed Peas be joining will.i.am? That's a possibility, as organizers say they hope to bring more US and Chinese artists on board. The show is expected to take place before the end of 2011, assuming China's Ministry of Culture approves it.

Watch the will.i.am 'Check it Out' Video With Nicki Minaj

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