President Yang Wanming Attends Welcome Banquet for Japanese Youth Delegations
On September 7, 2024, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a banquet in Beijing to welcome the visiting Japanese youth delegations, including representatives from the Japan-China Friendship Center?Youth Delegation, the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association University Students Delegation, the Japan Shorinji Kempo Youth Delegation, and the Soka University Delegation.?President Yang Wanming attended the banquet and delivered remarks. Vice President Yuan Mindao, Executive Vice President Zhang Qian and Vice President Jiao Yutong?of Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Minister?Masato Usui from the Japanese Embassy in China, along with nearly 500 participants from both China and Japan, also attended the event.President Yang welcomed the visiting Japanese youth and commended the ongoing efforts of Japan-China friendship organizations in promoting bilateral friendship, particularly in youth exchanges. He noted that China and Japan are important neighbors with a long history of close exchanges. Currently, China-Japan relations are at a critical stage of improvement and development. Last November, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio?to reaffirm the strategic mutual benefits of their relationship, setting a direction for future efforts to establish constructive and stable relations that meet the requirements of the new era. President Yang expressed the CPAFFC’s willingness to collaborate with Japanese friendship organizations and insightful individuals to actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, vigorously promote friendly exchanges across various fields, especially among youth, and create more platforms and bridges for dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. He also emphasized the importance of youth from both countries jointly fostering enduring intergenerational friendship and playing an active role in promoting this cause.Leaders of the Japanese delegations, including Sasaki Masafumi, leader of the Japan-China Friendship Center?Youth Delegation, Wataya?Risa, leader of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association University Students Delegation, Sou?Yuki, leader of the Japan Shorinji Kempo Youth Delegation, Akiya Yoshihide, leader of the Soka University Delegation, and Minister?Masato Usui from the Japanese Embassy in China, each expressed their gratitude for the warm invitation and hospitality extended by the Chinese side. They emphasized the importance of youth exchanges between Japan and China, and encouraged Japanese youth to seize the opportunity to gain deeper insights into Chinese society and culture, forging valuable friendships with their Chinese counterparts. They also expressed hopes that the younger generations of both nations would carry forward the legacy of friendship established by their predecessors, injecting fresh vitality into Japan-China relations.During the banquet, Japanese youth interacted with students from Tsinghua University, the Communication University of China, Beijing Sport University, and Beijing International Studies University. Four Japanese youth representatives shared their experiences and reflections on their visit. The CPAFFC?also celebrated the birthdays of delegation members whose birthdays fell during the visit, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.The youth delegations from four Japan-China friendship organizations were invited under the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Strengthening Youth Exchanges between the governments of China and Japan. They visited Beijing, Shanghai, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan, to gain firsthand insights into Chinese development and culture.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce, and His Delegation
On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), and his delegation. The two sides exchanged views on promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia at the people-to-people, local, and business levels.President Yang emphasized that China-Australia relations hold significant importance for the peace, prosperity, and stability of both countries and the wider world. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Australia relations have recently shown a positive trend of continuous improvement and development. President Yang noted that both sides should continue to engage in dialogue to enhance mutual understanding, reduce differences, and broaden consensus. The recent successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has systematically outlined measures for further deepening reforms, which will create new opportunities for cooperation with countries worldwide, including Australia. President Yang expressed CPAFFC’s willingness to work closely with AustCham China to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, sister-city relations, youth, culture, and other areas, thereby contributing to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia from both the people-to-people?and local levels.Vaughn Barber stated that during Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia in June, both sides reaffirmed their support for the comprehensive strategic partnership, which has greatly encouraged the Australian business community. He underscored that enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of Australia and China is a vital foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral economic relations. AustCham China is honored to establish closer ties with the CPAFFC and is eager to engage in people-to-people exchange and cooperation projects, contributing to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Australia.Vice President Shen Xin was also present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with the Delegation from the China Medical Board
On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with a delegation from the China Medical Board (CMB) in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on topics of common concern, including promoting cooperation in the medical and health sectors, as well as fostering friendly exchanges between China and the United States.President Yang extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highly praised the significant contributions made by the CMB to the development of China’s healthcare sector. He noted that healthcare is one of the key areas of positive cooperation between China and the United States, playing an important role in enhancing the health and well-being of the peoples of both countries. With China’s ongoing economic growth and evolving demographic trends, there are increasingly broad prospects for cooperation between China and the United States in the medical field. President Yang expressed hope that the delegation, which includes esteemed experts and leading figures from the American medical community, would seize the opportunity of the CMB’s 110th anniversary to innovate and expand healthcare cooperation with China. He further emphasized that the CPAFFC is willing to actively support and assist the CMB in its endeavors to advance cooperation in the healthcare sector.Harvey V. Fineberg, the incoming President of the China Medical Board (CMB) and former President of the National Academy of Medicine, highlighted that the CMB has a well-established foundation for cooperation with China. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges are crucial for fostering bilateral relations and affirmed that the CMB will continue to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries, while also advancing medical cooperation between China and the United States for the benefit of both nations.Vice President Shen Xin also?attended the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Shakhrat Nuryshev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China
On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with Shakhrat Nuryshev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on China-Kazakhstan relations and the development of friendly exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.President Yang emphasized that Kazakhstan is a friendly neighbor and a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of China. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to consolidate, and strategic alignment has deepened. The outcomes of pragmatic cooperation have been fruitful, establishing China and Kazakhstan as exemplary neighbors who engage in mutually beneficial and amicable relations. President Yang expressed the CPAFFC’s high regard for fostering people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation with Kazakhstan and affirmed the willingness to work together, seizing President Xi’s successful visit to Kazakhstan as an opportunity to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields. He emphasized the goal of building a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future, characterized by enduring friendship, high mutual trust, shared interests, and common prosperity.Ambassador Shakhrat Nuryshev extended his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC and highly commended the CPAFFC’s positive contributions to advancing Kazakhstan-China relations and strengthening people-to-people ties. He expressed Kazakhstan’s willingness to continue close collaboration with the CPAFFC to further promote people-to-people exchanges within the frameworks of China-Central Asia cooperation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the Department of European and Asian?Affairs, was also present at the meeting.
2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges Held in Shanghai
On September 3, 2024, the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, hosted by the CPAFFC, took place in Shanghai. The forum’s theme was “Revitalizing Global Partnership for Sustainable Development”. Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Huang Lixin, Chair?of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, and Nyonblee Kanrnga-Lawrence, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate of the Republic of Liberia, also delivered speeches at the ceremony. Vice President Shen Xin presided over the opening ceremony. The forum was attended by 75 representatives from the National People’s Congress and local people’s congresses, as well as nearly 50 legislators and former legislators from 43 countries/regions?across five continents.Wang Dongming highlighted President Xi Jinping’s initiatives for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the three global initiatives, advocating for a multipolar world that promotes equality and orderly development, as well as an inclusive and mutually beneficial approach to economic globalization. He noted that the reform strategies from the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee?will advance Chinese modernization and provide broader development opportunities for countries/regions?worldwide. He urged fellow legislators to act as guardians of global security, promoters of global development, practitioners of global cooperation, advocates for global openness, and champions of cultural exchange. He also emphasized the importance of creating sound policies and a robust legal environment to facilitate pragmatic cooperation across diverse sectors.Huang Lixin stated that Shanghai serves as a vital window for the world to observe China. Currently, in alignment with President Xi Jinping’s strategic positioning, Shanghai is focusing on the construction of the “Five Centers”?and accelerating its development into a world-class socialist modern metropolis. This effort aims to make a positive contribution to global peace, stability, friendly relations among peoples, and socio-economic development. Huang emphasized that the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress actively practices the significant concept of whole-process democracy, striving to provide strong legal guarantees for the construction of a people-centered city. He expressed a desire to further strengthen friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with parliaments from countries and regions worldwide, deepening mutual learning and support across diverse fields to jointly promote high-quality development.Yang Wanming emphasized that enhancing friendship among peoples, promoting international cooperation, maintaining world peace, and facilitating common development are the core missions of the CPAFFC. Fostering people-to-people ties to enhance state-to-state relations?is the guiding principle of the CPAFFC, and it is also what inspired the establishment of the Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges.?He expressed a commitment to work together to transform the forum into a platform for dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation, and fostering closer ties between peoples. Yang encouraged all participants to utilize the forum to write a new chapter in friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and other nations, revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development and working towards building a community with a shared future for humanity, thus better benefiting the peoples of all countries.Nyonblee Kanrnga-Lawrence remarked that Liberia appreciates the significant support the People’s Republic of China has provided since the establishment of diplomatic relations, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic growth. The Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges and related activities offer an excellent opportunity for legislators from different?countries to establish connections and share experiences, illustrating that China’s success stories are rooted in steadfast vision and belief. She stressed that achieving sustainable development necessitates long-term goals, tailored development models for individual countries, policy coherence, widespread citizen participation, and strong execution capabilities. She expressed hope that the forum would help participants from all countries strengthen friendships with China and deepen cooperation.Participants engaged in lively discussions on a range of topics, including global development and economic recovery, global security and lasting peace, inclusive mutual learning and cultural diversity, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation?and global partnerships for sustainable development, social equity and common prosperity, democracy and the rule of law, climate change and environmental protection, and poverty eradication?and sustainable development.Prior to the forum, the Shanghai municipal government organized visits for foreign guests to several significant locations, including the conference hall of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, the Pudong Reform and Opening-up Theme Exhibition, the Memorial?of?the?First?National?Congress?of?the?Communist?Party?of?China?(CPC),?the Shanghai Tower, COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., Wufang Village, the Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve, the Shanghai Aquatic Wildlife Conservation and Research Center, and the Sino-Dutch Modern Agricultural Innovation Park, allowing visitors to gain firsthand insights into Shanghai’s practices of Chinese-style modernization.
European and Chinese Legislators Hold Dialogue in Shanghai
On September 3, 2024, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a dialogue meeting with European legislators in Shanghai, with the theme of “Contributing to Deepening the China-EU?Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”.?Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC and Esther Gil, third deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of Spain, attended the event and delivered opening remarks. Approximately 100 representatives from Chinese and European legislative bodies, as well as think tanks, universities, and the business community participated in the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC presided over the meeting.President Yang emphasized that China-EU?relations are crucial for the welfare of both peoples and for global peace and development. He pointed out that the purpose of this dialogue meeting, held as part of the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, was to exchange views on how to develop sound?and stable China-EU?relations in the new global context, build consensus, enhance mutual trust, and promote cooperation. Yang highlighted the current international landscape, marked by instability and complex challenges, and stressed the importance of China and Europe working together. He called for a correct understanding of the China-EU?relationship, the need to maintain its proper positioning, and an adherence to principles of openness and mutual benefit. Yang also emphasized tightening the bonds of shared interests, deepening cultural exchanges, fostering mutual engagement between the peoples, and strengthening collaboration to address global challenges. This, he said, would help drive the continued development of the China-EU?comprehensive strategic partnership.Esther Gil?remarked that Europe and China are major players and shapers of global affairs. He noted the significance of both sides coordinating positions and actions on key global issues such as climate change, green transformation, and biodiversity. He expressed a strong desire for Europe and China to respect each other, build mutual trust, jointly uphold the international order based on international law, and promote peace, security, and prosperity globally.Representatives from both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as developing a clear understanding, deepening cultural exchanges, and advancing pragmatic cooperation. There was a broad consensus that China-EU?relations hold strategic significance and global influence. Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening communication, enhancing understanding, and ensuring the stability and longevity of China-EU?relations, ultimately contributing to global peace and development.
President Yang Wanming Hosts a Welcome Reception for Representatives Attending the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges
On August 30, 2024, President Yang Wanming hosted a welcome reception in Beijing for representatives from countries attending the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges (hereinafter referred to as the “Forum”). The reception was attended by 42 legislators from 36 countries/regions, and was presided over by Vice President Shen Xin.President Yang welcomed the attendees and highly praised their efforts in fostering relations with China. He noted that in today’s era of globalization, countries are more interconnected than ever, facing many global challenges such as economic development, climate change, public health, and poverty eradication. He stressed the importance of mutual support and cooperation among nations. Yang pointed out that international legislative exchanges and cooperation are critical?for countries to share experiences, engage in intellectual discourse, enhance friendship, and maintain the correct direction in global governance. The CPAFFC aims to work with international legislators and friendly individuals to create a leading platform for international cooperation, amplifying the collective voice of legislators in improving global governance and contributing to a peaceful, cooperative, and win-win future for all nations.Alexander Milkovic, a member of the Serbian Progressive Party, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Serbian Parliament, and a member of the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, responded on behalf of the foreign legislators. He acknowledged the current turmoil in the world and stated that the Forum’s themes are closely related to the interests of all nations. He emphasized the importance for parliaments and legislators from all countries to maintain dialogue and mutual understanding in order to overcome challenges and obstacles, which is a common goal for all. Milkovic expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit China and particularly thanked the CPAFFC for providing this dialogue platform, looking forward to engaging in discussions to enhance friendship among nations.The welcome reception featured cheerful Chinese folk music, fostering a vibrant and amicable atmosphere. Artists from the Beijing Vocational College of Opera and Arts?performed classic pieces such as “Xi Yang Yang (Joyful)”, “Bu Bu Gao (Rising Higher Step by Step)”, and “Mu Min?Xin Ge (New Song of the Herdsman)”.?International legislators also experienced displays of intangible cultural heritage, including carved?lacquer, hairy monkeys, paper-cutting, sugar painting, kites, and a selection of local snacks.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Toshihiro Nikai and Delegation from the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship
At the invitation of the CPAFFC, from August 27 to 29, a delegation of 29 members from the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship, led by President Toshihiro Nikai, former Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party, visited China. On August 28, President Yang Wanming met with the delegation at the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on current China-Japan relations and issues of mutual concern regarding people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.President Yang expressed his appreciation for the valuable contributions made by Toshihiro Nikai and the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship?to the development of China-Japan relations over the years. He noted that the current stage of China-Japan relations is crucial for improvement and development. Yang stated that he is willing to work closely with the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship?to effectively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, promote exchanges and cooperation across various fields, enhance mutual understanding and friendly relations among the peoples of both nations, and contribute to the establishment of constructive and stable China-Japan relations that align with the requirements of the new era.In response, Toshihiro Nikai thanked President Yang for the warm reception and the hospitality extended by the CPAFFC to the delegation. He expressed his commitment, along with the Association of Dietmen League for Japan-China Friendship, to improving and developing bilateral relations and expressed a desire to strengthen communication and cooperation with the CPAFFC. Nikai emphasized the importance of promoting exchanges in political, economic, and cultural fields, particularly between youth and women, to enhance political mutual trust, strengthen public sentiment, promote generational friendship, and foster the sound?and stable development of China-Japan relations.
President Lin Songtian and Princess of Tonga Discuss about Friendship and Cooperation on Video
On the afternoon of April 29th, H.E. Amb. Lin Songtian, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), held a video meeting with TPR?Her Royal Highness?Pilolevu Tuita, Lifelong Patron?of Pacific China Friendship Association?(PCFA).President Lin Songtian indicated that Chinese people and people in the Pacific island countries are good friends, partners and brothers.?During the toughest time for China to fight against Covid-19,?HRH Princess Tuita, on behalf of PCFA, sent letter and video of?sympathy to CPAFFC instantly. Vanuatu China Friendship Association, PCFA’s member organization, raised 460,000 Vatus to help Wuhan in fighting against the epidemic, providing confidence and power to people in China and Wuhan to win the battle. This demonstrated the unity between China and Pacific. We deeply appreciate it. Receiving drips of water when in need, and I shall return the kindness with a spring. When Covid-19 were imported to Pacific island countries, we developed so much empathy for you that we actively mobilized medical supplies from our council members, local governments and enterprises to support Pacific people. We will work closely with PCFA to assist Pacific island countries in conquering the pandemic.HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita?congratulated H.E. Amb. Lin Songtian’s election to CPAFFC’s presidency. HRH pointed out that people of PIC shared brotherly friendship with Chinese people. In face of Covid-19, PIC is ready to work together with Chinese friends to flight against virus.PIC people received tangible outcomes in their cooperation with China. Looking ahead, PIC will continue their unswerving efforts to support the vision of Community of Shared Future for Mankind and Belt and Road Initiative. PIC welcomes Chinese citizens to travel and invest in their countries. H.E. Amb. Lin Songtian?said that he was born in an island in Fujian Province where endowed me with deep affection towards the ocean. The ocean industry and marine economic capacity is well developed in the coastal regions of China. Pacific is rich in oceanic resources. We are willing to actively promote the participation of Chinese local governments and enterprises in the win-win cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, human resource development, marine fishing, seafood processing and tourism in this region. We could also explore ways to conduct tripartite or multi-entity cooperation to realize complementing each other’s advantages in sustaining independent self-development in this region. Thus, we could help local people with their welfare and achieve common development.HRH Princess Tuita expressed her congratulations towards H.E. Amb. Lin Songtian’s assuming the position. She regards China as her second hometown. She is most looking forward to further deepening the friendship between our two sides and promote cooperation in capacity building, ocean industry and tourism.HRH Princess Tuita spoke highly of China’s decisive and effective measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 at home and abroad. This sets a role model for the international community in conquering the virus. She looks forward to the medication and vaccine breakthrough by China to help all the nations eliminate the virus, especially those vulnerable Pacific island countries.President Ottino said that Pacific region needed the capacity building and resource development by China, as it is rich in ocean and tourist resources. H.E. Ame. Lin spoke out our mind enabling us to see the mutual cooperation and common development between Pacific and China. We will complete the developing plan for each nation and this region for further discussion with Chinese side. We hope to further explore the priority area and key projects to push forward mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.H.?E. Amb. Lin Songtian invited HRH Princess Tuita and President Ottino to visit China in 2021 to jointly celebrate the 100th?anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party and share the joy of achieving its first Centenary Goal. HRH Princess Tuita and President Ottino were looking forward to visiting China soon.Mr. Hu Sishe, vice president of CPAFFC and Mr. Anthony Leong, PCFA Convener also attended the conference.