President Yang Wanming Attends the 2025 SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities
From July 3 to 5, 2025, the 2025 SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities was successfully held in Shenyang. Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as the GNFCC SCO), attended the opening ceremony and delivered the keynote speech. Hao Peng, Secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People's Congress; Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Marat Imankulov, State Secretary of Kyrgyzstan; Ziyafat Asgarov, Vice President of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, delivered their remarks. Wang Xinwei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, Governor of Liaoning Province, presided over the opening ceremony.(President Yang Wanming delivers remarks at the opening ceremony)President Yang Wanming remarked that 2025 has been designated as the SCO's "China Year" and "SCO Year of Sustainable Development."?With the SCO Tianjin Summit just around the corner, it holds particular relevance and significance for China, as the rotating presidency, to host this forum under the theme "Deepening People-to-People Friendship, Advancing Sustainable Development." It represents a tangible step toward advancing the shared goal embodied in the initiative "SCO in Action."President Yang Wanming noted that the world is currently undergoing profound and accelerating changes unseen in a century, marked by prolonged geopolitical tensions and an unrelenting emergence of complex global challenges. Factors of instability and uncertainty are on the rise. Against this backdrop, the "Shanghai Spirit" advocated by the SCO is demonstrating renewed vitality and growing contemporary significance. More than ever before, we need to work together to overcome difficulties, strengthen people-to-people bonds, foster greater consensus among our peoples, and consolidate and elevate the SCO as a platform for cooperation, so as to jointly address global challenges. President Yang stated that the CPAFFC remains committed to working with all SCO countries to stand on the right side of history and uphold fairness and justice. The CPAFFC will continue to build bridges of mutual understanding to deepen people-to-people friendship; expand networks of friendship cities to enhance the quality and effectiveness of subnational cooperation; promote cultural exchange to advance shared SCO values; and foster youth engagement to cultivate a new generation of friendship ambassadors. These collective efforts will help usher the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development—one that is more united, collaborative, dynamic, and results-oriented.(President Yang Wanming meets with CPAFFC-invited guests and signs cooperation documents)During the forum, President Yang Wanming met with: Kahraman Sariev, Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Sabirov, Director of the SCO Center for People-to-People Diplomacy of Uzbekistan; Abidov, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Friendship Cities Alliance; Guseva, Co-Chair of the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government; Barsky, Vice President of the Russia-China Friendship Association; as well as the mayors of Yaroslavl, Arkhangelsk, Tomsk, Kogalym, and other Russian cities. President Yang signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on institutional cooperation with Guseva and Sabirov, and witnessed the signing of a MOU between the China-Central Asia Friendship Association and the Uzbekistan Friendship Cities Alliance.During the meetings, President Yang extended a warm welcome to?the guests and expressed appreciation for their participation in the forum at the invitation of the CPAFFC. He noted that their presence reflects the strong commitment of two countries' subnational governments and civil society to deepening friendship city cooperation and people-to-people exchanges under the SCO framework. President Yang emphasized that the SCO is the world's largest and most populous regional organization, whose influence, cohesion, and appeal continue to grow. It has become a model for a new type of international relations and regional cooperation. He called on all parties to deepen collaboration in fields such as people-to-people diplomacy, subnational engagement, cultural exchanges, and youth development within the SCO framework, in order to further strengthen the friendship among SCO countries and build a more solid foundation of public support for the organization's long-term development.The foreign guests unanimously acknowledged that the SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities has become a vital platform for dialogue and exchange among countries of the SCO Family. It has offered a meaningful opportunity for friendship organizations and international friendship cities to address pressing and relevant issues, and to pursue cooperation that aligns with the shared interests of their peoples. All parties should make full use of this platform to advance collaboration in fields such as people-to-people exchanges, subnational engagement, economy and trade, culture, sci-tech innovation, media, and youth, etc., thereby injecting fresh momentum into the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.The SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities is a regular institutional cooperation initiative co-launched by the CPAFFC and the GNFCC SCO. The forum has been previously held in Wuhan, Hubei Province in 2021, and in Qingdao, Shandong Province in 2023. The 2025 edition of the forum was co-hosted by the GNFCC SCO, the CPAFFC, and the People's Government of Liaoning Province, and organized by the People's Government of Shenyang Municipality. The forum brought together around 400 participants, including senior representatives from the central governments and parliaments, leaders of friendship organizations and subnational governments, and delegates from the business, education, and media sectors across 22 SCO countries. Also in attendance were representatives from the SCO Secretariat; diplomatic envoys and officials from SCO countries based in China; and delegates from relevant Chinese institutions, including the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the State Council Information Office. Additionally, representatives from 17 Chinese provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and related cities also participated in the forum.(Attending guests visit "Under the Same Blue Sky" the SCO Countries Art Exhibition of Children Artists)Prior to the opening ceremony, attending leaders and guests visited several exhibitions, including "Under the Same Blue Sky" the SCO Countries Art Exhibition of Children Artists, SCO Countries People-to-People Exchanges Achievements Exhibition, and Sci-tech Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Achievements Exhibition. They then took photographs together as mementos. In addition to the opening and closing sessions, the forum featured three parallel sub-forums: the Forum on Friendship City Collaboration and Economic Partnerships & the Second Shenyang International Friendship Cities Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, Forum on Youth-driven Technological Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing, and Light of Peace-Peace and Friendship Forum Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Participants also took part in a series of field visits and inspection tours arranged as part of the forum's agenda.(Signing ceremony for international friendship city agreements?among SCO countries)?The forum produced a number of significant outcomes. Two key outcome documents were released: the Consensus on actions for sustainable development of people-to-people exchanges among SCO countries, and the 2025 SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities Shenyang Initiative. A signing ceremony was held to formalize cooperation agreements among friendship organizations, international friendship cities, and in the areas of economic and trade cooperation. More than 30 cooperation documents were signed during the forum.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to France
From June 20 to 24, 2025, at the invitation of the Regional Council of Brittany and the French Association for the Development of International Relations and Cooperation of Culture and Economy, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) led a delegation on an official visit to France.During the visit, President Yang held a series of meetings with high-level officials and representatives from French government agencies, regional councils, municipal authorities, and civil society organizations. These included: Bruno Fuchs, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly; Laurence Scholaert, Director of the Department of Decentralized and Civil Society Cooperation, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Frédéric Poizat, Vice President of France Urbaine and Deputy Mayor of Angers; Lo?g Chesnais-Girard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany; Laurence Kerlorc'h, Vice President of the Regional Council of Brittany; Xavier Bertrand, President of the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France; Nicolas Rossignol, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prefecture of Normandy; Fatouma Papillon, Deputy Mayor of Rennes; Bertrand Bérégovoy and Sébastien Saul, Deputy Mayors of Rouen; figures from France's educational and cultural exchange communities, including: Blandine Billant, Inspector-General of Chinese Language Instruction, Rennes School District; Blaise Thierrée, French Co-Director of the Confucius Institute in Brittany; Madeleine Renaudin, President of the Rennes Chapter of the French Federation of Franco-Chinese Friendship Associations; Alain Juffraire, Director of the French Association for the Promotion of International Economic and Cultural Cooperation; Vincent Lemarchand, Chair of the Rouen-Ningbo Committee. As part of the visit, President Yang attended several key events aimed at enhancing subnational and people-to-people exchanges between China and France. These included: The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Shandong-Brittany Friendly Relations; the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the China-France Friendship Garden in Rouen; and the Chinese Language Learning Showcase at Zola High School in Rennes.(President Yang met with Bruno Fuchs, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, and Laurence Scholaert, Director of the Department of Decentralized and Civil Society Cooperation, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.)(President Yang met with Xavier Bertrand, President of the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France, and Lo?g Chesnais-Girard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany.)During his meetings in France, President Yang noted that, in recent years, China-France relations have maintained a steady and positive momentum. President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron have conducted reciprocal visits, and in 2024, the two countries jointly celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Most recently, the two heads of state held a phone conversation and reached important consensus on strengthening strategic coordination. China and France, as independent, autonomous, mature, and responsible major countries, have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, upholding the authority of the United Nations, safeguarding international trade rules and the global economic order, and practicing the true multilateralism. Amid an increasingly complex and volatile international landscape, China and France are jointly committed to being a reliable force for international order, an open force for global economic growth, and a progressive force for advancing multilateral cooperation. Subnational cooperation is a vital pillar of China-France relations, embodying the dynamism and resilience of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The year 2025 marks the beginning of a new 60-year cycle in China-France relations. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the CPAFFC is committed to work closely with French subnational governments to deepen subnational cooperation based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation by resuming the China-France High-Level Forum on Subnational Government Cooperation, and further strengthening traditional areas of cooperation such as economy and trade, agriculture, and nuclear energy, while tapping into the potential of emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green transition. Moreover, cultural exchanges and mutual understanding and friendship should be deepened?among youth, so as to contribute to a deeper and more substantive China-France relationship.(President Yang attended the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Shandong-Brittany Friendly Relations and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the China-France Friendship Garden in Rouen.)French parliamentary and government officials spoke positively of the progress in France-China relations, stating that amid rising global uncertainty, instability, and ongoing regional conflicts, the importance of France-China cooperation has become more pronounced. The French side is ready to work with China to fulfill the responsibilities of major countries and jointly uphold global peace and stability. Regional leaders from Brittany and Hauts-de-France reaffirmed that French subnational governments are firmly opposed to trade wars and tariff barriers. In view of disruptions to global supply chains and shifting trade dynamics, the subnational governments of France attach great importance to the cooperation with China, stay confident in the future of collaboration with Chinese enterprises, and will proactively promote the two sides to exchange and cooperate?in areas such as agriculture and food products, automobile manufacturing, and new energy. Representatives from France's education, culture, and people-to-people communities stressed that, culture is a vital bridge connecting the hearts of the two peoples.The mutual construction of China-France friendship gardens is both a symbol of growing subnational ties and a window for deepening cultural mutual understanding. It is hoped that more measures be issued to facilicate people-to-people exchanges and deeper cooperation in culture, education, and youth programs, thus solidifying the foundation of public support for the bilateral relationship.During the visit, President Yang and his delegation held a working meeting with Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to Frankfurt, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland
From June 17 to 18, 2025, at the invitation of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Swiss-Chinese Association, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) led a delegation on an official visit to Frankfurt, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland.In Frankfurt, President President Yang attended and addressed?the opening ceremony of the First German-Chinese City Summit, and held separate meetings with Thorsten Sch?fer-Gümbel, Chair of the GIZ Management Board; Mike Josef, Mayor of Frankfurt; and Jovanka Porsche, Chair of the European Global Neighbours Think Tank.In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the German-Chinese City Summit, President Yang highlighted President Xi Jinping's view that "the vitality of state-to-state relations lies at the subnational level." He emphasized that, subnational cooperation between China and Germany has long been underpinned by development-oriented engagement, mutual benefit, and cultural exchange, producing fruitful results and providing robust support for bilateral ties. Amid the complex dynamics of intertwined globalization and anti-globalization trends, and the growing contest between multilateralism and unilateralism, subnational governments in both countries should draw on past successes, uphold a spirit of partnership, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and work together toward sustainable development. Such collaboration would contribute valuable subnational strength to the advancement of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany.(President Yang Wanming delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the German-Chinese City Summit)During bilateral meetings, President Yang noted that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, China and Germany have upheld the principles of mutual respect, trust, and equality, consistently pursuing a path of mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development. Recently, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which both leaders provided strategic guidance for the future of China-Germany relations. Their continued high-level communication reflects the importance both sides attach to deepening cooperation across all sectors. The German-Chinese City Summit was a timely and concrete step in implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders at the subnational level. It is hoped that subnational governments in both countries would enhance dialogue and exchanges, expand the "circle of friends", and strengthen a "network of cooperation" based on mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, thereby injecting fresh impetus into the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-Germany relations.Consul General Huang Yiyang of China in Frankfurt stated that subnational exchanges between China and Germany are gaining strong momentum, with increasingly active interactions among subnational governments. This fully demonstrates both the mutually beneficial nature of the cooperation and the strong willingness to engage. He underscored the broad prospects and growing demand for cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, culture, and sports. The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Frankfurt will continue to serve as a bridge, making full use of the German-Chinese City Summit platform to deepen and enhance subnational collaboration.(President Yang Wanming meets with Thorsten Sch?fer-Gümbel, Chair of the GIZ Management Board)Thorsten Sch?fer-Gümbel said that multilateralism is currently under severe strain, making it all the more important for Germany and China to deepen dialogue and cooperation. The enthusiastic participation of subnational governments in the First German-Chinese City Summit reflects the close and results-oriented nature of bilateral subnational cooperation. The event sends a clear signal to the international community that China and Germany remain committed to working together to confront global challenges. Mayor Mike Josef expressed his gratitude to the organizers for selecting Frankfurt as the host city for the inaugural summit and spoke highly of the subnational cooperation between Chinese and German cities, noting that friendship city exchanges have played a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. It is hoped that more Chinese cities and enterprises strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Frankfurt in the future.The First German-Chinese City Summit was co-hosted by the CPAFFC, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Frankfurt. President Yang Wanming, Consul General Huang Yiyang, GIZ Chair Thorsten Sch?fer-Gümbel, and Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef attended and addressed?the opening ceremony. More than 100 participants from 10 Chinese cities—Shenyang, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chengdu, Kunming, Jinhua, Ningde, and Cixi—and 14 German cities—including Frankfurt, Bonn, Mannheim, and Stuttgart—took part in in-depth discussions under the theme "City partnerships for sustainable development: Tackling global challenges together and creating a sustainable future." During the plenary speech session, city representatives from both countries shared their experiences in addressing climate change, advancing low-carbon urban development, and promoting green transition, based on the specific strengths and contexts of their respective cities. In the roundtable discussions, municipal leaders and scholars exchanged views on building climate-resilient cities and explored innovative pathways and models for sustainable urban development. At the summit, President Yang, on behalf of the CPAFFC, and GIZ Chair Thorsten Sch?fer-Gümbel signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, Jinhua City in China's Zhejiang Province and Düren City in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany signed a friendship city agreement. Participants also conducted a site visit to the redevelopment project of Frankfurt's Osthafen (East Harbor) industrial zone, where they explored new ideas for smart integration of industry and city functions. The visit provided fresh inspiration for urban regeneration through mutual learning and exchange.(The CPAFFC and GIZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding)Consul General Huang Yiyang of China in Frankfurt attended the related events.During his visit to Zurich, President Yang Wanming attended the Seminar on Subnational and People-to-People Exchanges Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of China-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations. On the sidelines of the seminar, President Yang met with several friendly individuals from Swiss, including Andries Diener, President of the Swiss-Chinese Association and Thomas Wagner, Honorary President of the Swiss-Chinese Association, former Mayor of Zurich, and recipient of China's honorary title "People's Friendship Ambassador"; Werner E. Nievergelt, Vice President of the Swiss-Chinese Association and former Consul General of Switzerland in Guangzhou; Fritz Schluep, Co-General Manager of the Titoni Ltd.; and Ilona Schmiel, General Manager of the Zurich Tonhalle, as well as other distinguished individuals.In his meetings, President Yang noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950, China and Switzerland have adhered to the principles of mutual respect and trust, and have cultivated a spirit of "equality, innovation, and win-win cooperation." In 2016, the leaders of two countries jointly decided to establish the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership, setting a clear course for the future of bilateral ties. President Yang commended the Swiss-Chinese Association for its 80 years of dedicated efforts in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Swiss peoples. The CPAFFC is ready to work with all sectors of Swiss society, including the Swiss-Chinese Association, to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, unlock the full potential of cooperation in fields such as culture, innovation, and the green economy, and get well prepared for the upcoming China-Switzerland Forum on Sustainable Development, with a view to deepening and substantiating China-Switzerland relations and better benefiting the two peoples.The Swiss side expressed appreciation for the important role of the CPAFFC in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Switzerland and China, and conveyed their readiness to work closely with the Chinese side to further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to deepening the friendship between the two countries.(President Yang Wanming attended the Seminar on Subnational and People-to-People Exchanges Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of China-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations)Minister-Counsellor Mao Jun, Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, and Consul General Chen Yun of China in Zurich attended the related events.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Chilean Ambassador to China Pablo Arriarán Ahumada
On June 16, 2025, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Pablo Arriarán Ahumada, the newly appointed Ambassador of Chile to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on China-Chile relations and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Pablo Arriarán Ahumada back to the CPAFFC following his previous visit accompanying Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren last year. He noted that although China and Chile are geographically distant, the bonds of friendship between their peoples are strong and enduring. China-Chile relations have long been at the forefront of China's engagement with Latin America, achieving numerous "firsts" and serving as a model for cooperation across the Latin America and Caribbean region. President Gabriel Boric's recent visit to China for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum underscored the Chilean government's strong commitment to advancing ties with China. During the visit, the two heads of state jointly outlined a new blueprint for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Chile, ushering in a new high point in bilateral relations. The CPAFFC is committed to seizing the opportunity presented by the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Chile to further strengthen collaboration with the Chilean Embassy in China. The CPAFFC will continue to foster people-to-people, subnational, think tank, and youth exchanges to help build a solid foundation of public support for the long-term development of bilateral ties.Ambassador Pablo Arriarán Ahumada remarked that despite the shifting global landscape, Chile-China relations have consistently maintained a high level of development. Over the past three years, President Gabriel Boric and President Xi Jinping have met on four occasions, providing strong leadership that has yielded fruitful cooperation across a wide range of fields and delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples. He highlighted that 2025 marks not only the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Chile and China, but also the 20th anniversary of the free trade agreement and the 10th anniversary of Chile Week in China. The Chilean Embassy in China looks forward to working closely with the CPAFFC to promote practical cooperation between friendship cities and subnational governments, facilitate mutual learning between the two civilizations, and strengthen youth exchanges. These efforts are expected to continue nourishing the flourishing tree of China-Chile friendship.Following the meeting, Ambassador Pablo Arriarán Ahumada visited the CPAFFC's Friendship Hall, where he toured an exhibition dedicated to Chilean artist and friend of China, José Venturelli.Vice President Shen Xin of the CPAFFC was present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with New Zealand Ambassador to China, Jonathan Austin
On June 13, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with H.E. Jonathan Austin, New Zealand Ambassador to China, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two sides exchanged views on issues including China-New Zealand relations and people-to-people exchanges.President Yang noted that, since China and New Zealand established diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, marked by deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in areas of economy and trade, and cultural exchanges, etc. This year marks the beginning of the second decade of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with friends from all sectors in New Zealand to continue building bridges for exchange and cooperation in subnational engagement, youth, and culture, further enhancing mutual understanding and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.Ambassador Jonathan Austin emphasized that in today's global context, the importance of people-to-people ties and exchanges is more prominent than ever. He affirmed that both he and the New Zealand Embassy to China are willing to working closely with the Chinese side to further strengthen bilateral relations and support subnational and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Austin visited the former residence of Rewi Alley, a celebrated New Zealander and long-time friend of China, and viewed a special exhibition highlighting his life and legacy.Sun Tao, Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Erin Duncan, Political Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy to China, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Minister of International Relations of Botswana Phenyo Butale
On June 13, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with a delegation led by Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening subnational cooperation between China and Botswana and enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Minister Phenyo Butale on his visit to Beijing and commended his contributions to the sound and steady development of China-Botswana relations. He noted that, since China and Botswana established diplomatic ties five decades ago, bilateral relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with deepening political trust, fruitful win-win cooperation, and ever-growing people-to-people friendship. Not long ago, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha. In his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping announced a series of major initiatives to further expand China-Africa cooperation, which has provided strategic guidance for advancing the ten?partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization?and for promoting high-quality?development of China-Africa cooperation. This is expected to yield more tangible outcomes in mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Botswana.President Yang stressed that the foundation of China-Botswana relations lies with the people, and its dynamism comes from subnational engagement. Looking ahead, the CPAFFC stands ready to take the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges?as a key opportunity to expand cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and other?fields with Botswana, and to support Botswana's efforts to host cultural exchange activities in China. The CPAFFC is committed to, based on friendship city partnerships and the respective strengths of the two countries, promoting the establishment of more friendship city ties between China and Botswana to enhance subnational exchanges and cooperation; seeking to build more bridges for youth friendship, invite more Botswanan?youth to visit China and thus carry forward China-Botswana friendship.Minister Phenyo Butale spoke highly of the achievements made in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, and expressed appreciation for the CPAFFC's long-standing efforts to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. He noted that, the new government?of Botswana attaches great importance to the relationship with China and remains firmly committed to the One-China Principle. Botswana hopes to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, economy and trade under the FOCAC framework, and to translate the turn the high-level political mutual trust?into more substantial and practical cooperation?outcomes.?Cultural exchanges constitute a vital component of the Botswana-China relationship. The Botswana side hopes to strengthen cooperation with China, send more delegations to China, and build friendships with Chinese people from all walks of life, further deepening the bond between the two peoples.Director-General Ji Yongjun and Deputy Director-General Huang Xiaowei of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Botswana in China Nomsa Daphne Mlotshwa were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Visits Nanjing University
On June 10, 2025, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) paid a visit to Nanjing University and held in-depth talks with Tan Tieniu, Secretary of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, on expanding international inter-university exchanges, youth and student exchanges, and think tank dialogues.Tan Tieniu extended a warm welcome to President Yang and outlined the university's latest developments. He said Nanjing University remains committed to follow the earnest instructions given by President Xi Jinping on building a "Unique Nanjing?University", press ahead with its goal of becoming a world-class institution with Chinese characteristics, distinctive strengths and the needs of the times, and vigorously advancing its internationalization?agenda. The university?looks forward to closer cooperation with the CPAFFC and thus contributing more wisdom and strength to China's overall diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.President Yang congratulated Nanjing University on its progress under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially in cutting-edge research, major national sci-tech programs, platform building and industry-oriented sci-tech innovation. He outlined the recent priorities of the CPAFFC in people-to-people diplomacy and expressed the willingness to work closely with Nanjing University on advancing international exchanges and cooperation, particularly in key areas such as think tank cooperation, sci-tech, and youth friendship, and jointly advance the broader cause of people-to-people friendship.Qing Boming, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Exchanges of the CPAFFC, Jin Shangjun, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Province, and relevant representatives from Nanjing University, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Attends and Addresses the Jiangsu People-to-People Friendship Conference and 70th Anniversary Commemoration of JSPAFFC
On June 12, 2025, the Jiangsu People-to-People Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (JSPAFFC) was held in Nanjing. President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended and addressed the event upon invitation. Governor Xu Kunlin and Vice Governor Fang Wei of Jiangsu Province, along with more than 100 international guests from 45 friendship organizations across 23 countries, also attended the event.President Yang extended his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the JSPAFFC and noted that, over the past seven decades, JSPAFFC has remained true to its founding mission of "promoting international cooperation, safeguarding world peace and advancing?common development." Working hand in hand with counterpart organizations worldwide, it has continuously promoted exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, economy and trade, culture and many other fields, making significant contributions to closer people-to-people ties and deepened practical cooperation.In October last year, President Xi Jinping met with the foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of CPAFFC. President Xi highly?spoke of the important role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development and set out China's vision of leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy to help build a community with a shared future for mankind. Looking ahead, the CPAFFC will continue to support the work of the JSPAFFC by: capitalizing?on Jiangsu's status as a leading province for opening-up to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges and enlarge its "circle of friends"; leveraging Jiangsu's economic strength to create additional platforms for practical cooperation and a wider network of win-win partnerships; drawing on Jiangsu's rich cultural heritage to encourage cultural exchanges and compose a "symphony" of mutual learning among civilizations; and building on Jiangsu's solid record in youth exchange to foster new links among young people and pass on the "baton" of friendship to the next generation.Governor Xu Kunlin said Jiangsu remains committed to serving China's overall diplomacy, made full use of the strength of people-to-people diplomacy and organized?a wide range of exchanges to deepen friendship and cooperation with people around the world, thereby making valuable contributions to strengthening people-to-people friendship between China and foreign countries. As the province's primary platform for such efforts, the JSPAFFC has, over the past 70 years, expanded Jiangsu's international network and cultivated many "gold-standard" friendships. With Chinese-style modernization?gathering pace, Jiangsu is accelerating the creation of a globally connected, two-way gateway and widening its economic, scientific, technological and cultural links—developments that open up new opportunities for international engagement. Guided by the instructions set forth by President Xi Jinping, Jiangsu will take this event as a new starting point to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, to foster economic and trade partnerships, encourage cultural?mutual learning and improve people's livelihoods in a tangible way, thereby writing a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy and contributing to the sound, stable growth of China's relations with the rest of the world.Foreign participants shared reflections inspired by the important remarks on people-to-people diplomacy set forth by President Xi Jinping, and recounted their own experiences of cooperation with Jiangsu. They voiced unanimous support for China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization?Initiative, and expressed the willingness to broaden cooperation with Jiangsu in economy and trade, culture, education, sport and youth programs, in a way to deepen mutual understanding and help build a community with a shared future for mankind.The commemoration, organized?by the JSPAFFC under the theme "Seven Decades of Friendship, Hand in Hand in a New Era", seeks to put into practice the guidance in the important remarks delivered by President Xi Jinping during his meeting with the foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of CPAFFC, review past experience, broaden global friendship and promote cooperation. It also aims to advance innovation in people-to-people diplomacy in Jiangsu and support both China's overall diplomatic efforts and the province's open-door agenda.During the event, Xin Changxing, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Jiangsu Province, met with the visiting foreign guests, and President Yang was present at the meeting. On the sidelines, the JSPAFFC staged a series of themed activities, including the Fourth China-Japan Exchange Conference for Subnational People-to-People Friendship Organizations in the New Era, the Jiangsu-ASEAN and South Asia People-to-People Friendship Organizations Dialogue, and the Jiangsu-Europe and North Africa People-to-People Friendship Organizations Dialogue.
President Yang Wanming Attends and Addresses the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum
On June 8, 2025, the Fourth Ningxia Friendship Cities Forum was held in Yinchuan. President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.President Yang emphasized that, international friendship cities serve not only as an essential window to showcase China's opening-up at the subnational?level, but also an important carrier?for advancing mutually beneficial economic and trade exchanges and industrial cooperation among various countries. Friendship cities partnerships have helped build bridges of friendship among peoples, create direct channels for economic and trade cooperation, improve public well-being, and pioneer new models of regional cooperation. These have consolidated the foundation of mutual interests and popular support for friendship between China and foreign countries, and made significant contributions to world peace and development.President Yang noted that the world is undergoing profound changes at a faster pace. Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, and the trend of "decoupling or disruption of industrial and supply chains" is on the rise. Yet China's commitment to high-standard opening-up remains steadfast, and its resolve to share development opportunities with the world and to promote economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all is unwavering. The CPAFFC and the China International Friendship Cities Association will continue to leverage their unique strengths, build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, and actively support and promote friendly ties and mutually beneficial subnational cooperation between China and other countries across various sectors, thereby contributing to regional and global peace and development and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.Held under the theme "Friendship for Common Development, Cooperation for a Shared Future", the forum featured a series of events, including the Ningxia International Friendship Leadership Dialogue, the Economic, Trade, Investment and Industrial Matchmaking Session, the Talent Exchange and Sci-Tech Innovation Matchmaking Meeting, the Green Development and Desertification Control Cooperation Dialogue, and site visits to Ningxia's distinctive and competitive industries. During the forum, four new friendship city agreements and four cooperation agreements between Chinese and foreign enterprises were signed. Li Yifei, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Zhang Yupu, Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Government, as well as representatives from 12 friendship cities and 8 friendship organizations across 15 countries, attended the forum.While in Yinchuan, President Yang also attended and addressed the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo as an invited guest.