On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held its second Seminar on People-to-People Diplomacy in Beijing, under the theme "Pooling Strength for People-to-People Diplomacy, Serving Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics." The event was attended by approximately 150 representatives from central government agencies, national ministries and commissions, people's organizations, universities, think tanks, media, and businesses.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy, as an integral part of the country's overall diplomatic efforts, has played a crucial role throughout various historical phases in China's development. On October 11, General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a significant address during a meeting with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. He highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people friendship to advance global peace and development. In his speech, General Secretary Xi elaborated on China's commitment to leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy in the current global landscape. This includes building a community with a shared future for mankind, guided by the spirit of "shared responsibility as dwellers of the same planet", and embracing win-win cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness. The purpose of this seminar was to fully implement the principles outlined in General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech on people-to-people diplomacy. The event aimed to unite efforts from various parties to strength people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, and youth friendship between China and other nations. The seminar also sought to make constructive proposals for advancing high-quality development in people-to-people diplomacy, ensuring that it better serves China's broader development goals and diplomatic strategy in the new era.
Yang Wanming further emphasized the need to advance people-to-people diplomacy by adhering to the core principles of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, particularly the guidelines set forth by General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding this field. He reiterated the importance of upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and understanding the political significance of people-to-people diplomacy. It is essential to prioritize the welfare of the people, remain focused on the fundamental objectives of such diplomacy, and ensure that the efforts contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world.
Following the opening ceremony, the seminar featured six roundtable dialogues. Participates had in-depth discussions on topics such as strengthening people-to-people friendship between China and other countries, enhancing the vitality of local sister city relationships, and promoting the Global Civilization Initiative. All parties agreed that, in the current global context, people-to-people diplomacy plays an increasingly important role, gaining greater prominence and a wider platform. It was acknowledged that there is a need to uphold fundamental principles while forging new pathways, gathering insights, and expanding people-to-people exchanges with foreign countries across multiple dimensions, levels, and sectors. This collaborative effort is seen as essential in solidifying public support for fostering friendly and cooperative relations between China and the international community.
