Yang Wanming, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and President of the CPAFFC, Visits Xiongan New Area
On October 13, Yang Wanming, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to visit Xiongan New Area. The delegation toured key sites including the Comprehensive Service Center in the Start-up Area, the East-West Axis Dispatch and Command Center, Yannan?Dike?of Baiyangdian, the construction site in Rongdong District, and the Xiongan Planning Exhibition Center to gain a firsthand understanding of the planning and development progress in Xiongan New Area. Zhang Guohua, Chairman of the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s?Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Member of the Standing Committee of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee, and Secretary of the Party Working Committee and the?Director of the Administrative Committee of Xiongan New Area, along with Wu Bo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee, Executive Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Xiongan New Area, Party Secretary and Chairman of Xiongan Group, participated in related activities. Wang Jianfeng, Party Secretary and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hebei Province, and President of the Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Wang Jiping, Deputy Director of the Hebei Provincial Xiongan New Area Office and a member of the Party Working Committee of Xiongan New Area, accompanied the delegation during the visit.Officials from Xiongan New Area highlighted that the establishment of Xiongan is a major strategic decision by the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as part of the broader effort to advance coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Currently, Xiongan New Area is actively implementing the key directives from President Xi’s important speeches, focusing on its primary role as a centralized location for relieving Beijing of its non-capital functions. The area is balancing large-scale construction with the integration of these functions, achieving significant progress in various phases. A modern city is emerging, growing robustly. The CPAFFC, as the main channel for people-to-people diplomacy in China, has played a vital role in strengthening friendship between the people of China and other nations, promoting international cooperation, maintaining world peace, and facilitating shared development. Officials expressed their gratitude for the continuous support and assistance from the CPAFFC towards the construction and development of Xiongan. They look forward to further support from the CPAFFC in promoting Xiongan’s international engagement, helping to accelerate the building of Xiongan as a pioneer of open development and elevating its level of internationalization.Yang Wanming highly commended the achievements in the planning and development of Xiongan New Area, stating that advancing the New Journey of National Rejuvenation and Building a Strong Country through Chinese modernization is the central task of the Party and the nation on this new journey. Xiongan New Area is striving to become a national model for high-quality development in the new era, with its future city framework already taking shape and demonstrating significant development potential. This reflects the bright prospects of Chinese modernization. The CPAFFC will further leverage its resource advantages to fully support Xiongan’s people-to-people diplomacy, aiding the construction of Xiongan’s international cooperation network. Through various channels and platforms, the CPAFFC aims to share the story of Xiongan, providing the international community with a genuine, comprehensive, and multi-dimensional understanding of the rich implications of Chinese modernization.The visit was also attended by Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the CPAFFC; and representatives from the CPAFFC General Office, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Hebei Province, and the Party and Government Office of Xiongan New Area.
President Yang Wanming’s Op-Ed in People’s Daily
Forging Ahead to Deepen People-to-People Friendship and Promote the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for MankindYang Wanming, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)On October 11, the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) were held in Beijing. President Xi Jinping met with the foreign guests attending the event and delivered an important speech, emphasizing the crucial role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development. He profoundly elaborated on China’s proposal for leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, advocating for the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”, the principle of mutual benefit, and an attitude of openness and inclusiveness to jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Chinese?Vice President Han Zheng and Wang Yi, a?member?of the?Political Bureau?of the Communist Party of China (CPC)?Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attended the commemorative conference and welcome banquet, respectively, and delivered speeches. Over 300 international friends from nearly 100 countries and regions participated in the event, engaging in discussions under the theme of “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, which fostered meaningful exchanges and consolidated wisdom and strength to build a better world through people-to-people cooperation.In his important speech, President Xi emphasized that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and enduring international relations, the inexhaustible driving force for promoting world peace and development, and the basic prerequisite for achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. People-to-people diplomacy serves as the bedrock for strengthening people’s?friendship and promoting the development of national relations. Over the past 70 years, the CPAFFC, as a national people’s?organization engaged in people-to-people diplomacy, has adhered to the principles of “Friendship, Cooperation, Peace, and Development”. It has endeavored to cultivate people-to-people ties, build bridges to enhance national relations, and facilitate international cooperation, consistently walking alongside the people, the nation, and the world.Seventy years of unwavering commitment to peace and development. From its early days, when it played the unique role of “civilian-led diplomacy, promoting official ties through people-to-people contacts”, to the celebrated success stories of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and “Ballet Diplomacy”, the CPAFFC has actively contributed to the nation’s diplomatic efforts. During the reform and opening-up period, it embraced the era’s themes of peace and development, vigorously promoting exchanges between Chinese and international communities. In the new era, it has facilitated comprehensive, multi-level, and cross-sectoral people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The CPAFFC continues to serve as a main conduit for people-to-people diplomacy, committed to the pursuit of global peace and development.Seventy years of upholding original aspirations, building international friendships. The CPAFFC has never forgotten its old friends while continuously making new ones. It has established friendly exchanges and cooperative relationships with over 400 organizations and institutions across more than 150 countries?and regions, fostering more than 3,000 sister city (province/state) partnerships between China and over 140 countries?and regions, thereby building a global network of friends and partners spanning five continents. The association has tirelessly worked to enhance people-to-people ties and support national relations, reinforcing the friendship between China and countries worldwide.Seventy years of practical cooperation, driving concrete results. The CPAFFC adheres to a people-centered approach, mobilizing resources from international sister cities, multinational corporations, and friendly organizations to build mechanisms for local and civil exchanges between China and foreign countries. It has promoted pragmatic cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, science and technology, culture, ecology, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and human resource training. Additionally, it has played a proactive role in international cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, striving to ensure that the fruits of development benefit people worldwide.Seventy years of dedicated effort, promoting connectivity between peoples. Focusing on the general public, grassroots communities, and the future, the CPAFFC has employed diverse artistic forms, including music, dance, drama, and acrobatics, to introduce Chinese culture to the world, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning. It has also organized popular events such as food festivals, dragon boat races, summer camps, and grand gatherings to boost public participation and engagement. By actively promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign youths, the CPAFFC seeks to ensure the continuity of the noble cause of people-to-people friendship, bringing people closer and fostering mutual understanding across borders.The 70-year history of the CPAFFC vividly demonstrates the powerful role of people-to-people friendship in promoting global peace and development, and the significant position of people-to-people diplomacy in the framework of overall national diplomacy. At present, the world is experiencing unprecedented changes, transformations of the times, and shifts in history. However, the interconnectedness of countries’ interests and the shared destiny of humankind remain unchanged. People across the world still yearn for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. President Xi has emphasized that the people are the creators of history, and building a community with a shared future for mankind?represents the future of all people across the globe. We will continue to join hands with friends worldwide, aligning our efforts with the interests of all and the hearts of the people, advancing the great cause of people-to-people friendship towards the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, leveraging the channels of friendly organizations, maintaining ties with old friends, and making new ones. This will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and other countries, further solidifying the social and public foundation of China’s international friendships.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for pragmatic cooperation, fully leveraging the cooperative platforms of international sister cities, and mobilizing resources and strengths from various sectors both domestically and internationally. We will continuously innovate cooperation methods, expand areas of collaboration, and improve effectiveness, ensuring that local and sister city partnerships deliver greater benefits to people around the world.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more bridges for cultural exchanges, fully utilizing culture as a conduit for communication and a bond of friendship. We will promote diverse, in-depth, and multi-dimensional cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding and resonance between peoples, enhancing connectivity between peoples.- As we move forward, we will work with friends from all nations to build more youth-friendly bridges, fully recognizing the foundational and long-term role that youth engagement plays in developing relations between nations. We will invite more foreign youths to visit China and encourage more Chinese youths to explore the world, striving to nurture the next generation of future leaders for the cause of people-to-people friendship.“A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance”. We firmly believe that as long as people treat each other with sincerity and connect heart-to-heart, we will forge a path of shared progress, mutual understanding, and win-win cooperation. Together, we will stride towards a brighter future, building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Speech by President Yang Wanming at the “Xiongan Night” Reception of the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC
(Xiongan New Area, Hebei, October 12, 2024)Dear friends,It is a great pleasure to gather with you here in Xiongan New Area, where we can feel the vibrant energy of China’s “City of the Future”. First, on behalf of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government for their meticulous organization and thoughtful arrangements for today’s event. I also extend a warm welcome and heartfelt greetings to all our distinguished guests and friends visiting Xiongan.The China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC?mark a significant milestone in the history of the CPAFFC?and a grand gathering for the cause of people-to-people friendship between China and other nations. With the enthusiastic participation and strong support of friends from nearly 100 countries?and regions, this event is now drawing to a successful close. Our international friends have engaged in in-depth exchanges, mutual learning, and collaboration under the theme of “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, achieving many positive results in a warm, friendly, and festive atmosphere.First, we have further consolidated the international consensus on building a community with a shared future for mankind. This vision represents the future of all people around the world. During his recent meeting with all of you, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, offering a profound explanation of China’s vision for the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, deepening international friendship, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. His remarks resonated deeply with friends from around the world. We look forward to working together with friends from all nations, leveraging the unique strengths of people-to-people diplomacy to foster friendship between peoples, promote pragmatic international cooperation, and build confidence in the cause of global peace, development, and progress. Let us navigate this path of mutual support, cooperation, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity, contributing our collective wisdom and strength to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.Second, we have gained a deeper understanding of the many facets of Chinese modernization. Advancing the New Journey of National Rejuvenation and Building a Strong Country through Chinese modernization is the central task of the Communist Party of China and the nation on this new journey. Recently, the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session?set out a comprehensive plan to further deepen reform and advance Chinese modernization. During this event, we arranged visits to the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center?and Xiongan New Area, providing our international friends with an opportunity to witness firsthand the model of high-quality urban development in China and the promising prospects of Chinese modernization. We warmly welcome more foreign friends to actively engage in this process of Chinese modernization, working together to promote world modernization characterized by peace, development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity, ultimately bringing greater benefits to people across the world.Third, we have gathered even greater civil forces to support the cause of friendship between the peoples of China and other nations. More than 300 international friends from nearly 100 countries and regions have traveled great distances to be here, crossing mountains and seas, all in the name of friendship and the noble cause of people-to-people exchanges. This dedication has deeply moved and inspired us. We will continue to uphold our commitment to friendship, uniting civil forces to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, pragmatic cooperation, cultural engagement, and youth friendship, fostering deeper understanding and closer bonds among peoples. We eagerly anticipate and warmly welcome more individuals of insight from around the world to join this great cause of people-to-people friendship, building bridges of friendship and connecting hearts, so that together we can create a better world for future generations.Our time together is brief, but the friendships we have forged will endure. In just a few short days, we have shared many heartwarming moments and touching memories. Through your actions, you have shown that you were, are, and will continue to be friends of the Chinese people!Dear friends, your long journeys to be here fill us with gratitude; your sincere wishes inspire us greatly; and your deep bonds of friendship will remain in our hearts forever! As the song “Auld Lang Syne”?goes, “Let us sing with one voice, to everlasting friendship. Let us hold hands closely, and never forget our bond. Let us raise our glasses high, to friendships that will last forever”.Thank you!
“Xiongan Night” Reception Celebrates the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC
On October 12, the “Xiongan Night” reception, part of the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC, was held in Xiongan New Area. Wang Zhengpu, Governor of Hebei Province, and Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, attended and delivered speeches.Governor Wang extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and offered sincere congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. He remarked that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and enduring international relations. During a recent meeting with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, highlighting the need to enhance people-to-people friendship from the perspective of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang emphasized that China is committed to working together with friends from around the world to deepen mutual understanding, promote collaboration, and contribute positively to global peace and development. He highlighted Hebei’s unique geographic position, rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and abundant resources, expressing hope that guests would appreciate the natural, cultural, and developmental beauty of Hebei during their visit. He encouraged them to share the stories of Xiongan and Hebei with more people, fostering a shared vision for a better future.In his speech, President Yang Wanming noted that during the recent collective meeting, President Xi Jinping delivered an important address, offering a profound explanation of China’s vision for leveraging people-to-people diplomacy under new circumstances, deepening international friendship, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Yang remarked that this resonated deeply with friends from around the world. He expressed hope to work alongside international partners to fully utilize the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering friendship between peoples and advancing pragmatic international cooperation. He called for collective wisdom and efforts to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Yang also welcomed more international friends to actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, striving together for a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous world modernization that benefits all nations.Princess Pilolevu Tuita of the Kingdom of Tonga and Luca Berrone, Director of the Iowa Friendship Committee, delivered speeches, stating that the CPAFFC is an important platform for promoting people-to-people diplomacy. They expressed their expectation that the CPAFFC would continue to play a role in enhancing global friendship and bridging divides. During their visit to Xiongan New Area, they were deeply impressed by its vibrancy and charm. They noted Hebe’s rich resources and vast development potential, and expressed hope to further strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation across various fields with Hebei, promoting mutual development.Chinese and foreign guests also watched performances showcasing Hebei’s intangible cultural heritage.The event was attended by Zhang Guohua and Jin Hui, leaders from Hebei Province, Zhu Haowen, Secretary-General of the Provincial Government, as well as former foreign political leaders, heads of international friendship organizations, and representatives of friendly individuals.
Reception in Beijing Celebrates the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC
Recently, a reception marking the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC was held at the Grand?Canal?Museum?of?Beijing. Yin Li, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee, delivered a speech, while the event was hosted by Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing. Li Xiuling, Chairman?of?the?Standing?Committee?of?the?Beijing?Municipal?People’s?Congress, Wei Xiaodong, Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s?Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, attended the event.In his address, Yin Li expressed profound respect for the international friends who have long been committed to the cause of people-to-people friendship, thanking them for their continuous support and care for Beijing’s development. He noted that, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has embarked on a development path that suits its national conditions, achieving the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, maintaining rapid economic growth, and long-term social stability, while making significant contributions to global development. At present, the Chinese government is fully committed to advancing Chinese modernization, aiming for a path of peaceful development, deepening reform, promoting high-level opening-up, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation and shared prosperity.?As the capital of China, Beijing boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, abundant educational, technological, and human resources, and a livable ecological environment. It plays a significant role in driving regional economic development, advancing the high-standard construction of the Beijing?Municipal?Administrative?Center, supporting the development of the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei, and promoting coordinated development across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. After five years of development, the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center?has emerged as a thriving new city of the future. Currently, Beijing is striving to be at the forefront of achieving basic socialist modernization, accelerating the construction of an international hub for technological innovation, and establishing itself as a global leader in the digital economy. It aims to build a highland of top talent and create a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. Yin warmly welcomed friends and organizations from around the world to share in Beijing’s development opportunities, foster practical cooperation across various fields, and work together to achieve high-quality development and a better life.In his remarks, President Yang Wanming emphasized that for the past 70 years, the CPAFFC has adhered to the principles of “Friendship, Cooperation, Peace, and Development”. The CPAFFC has worked tirelessly to deepen people-to-people friendship, build bridges for state-to-state relations, and promote international cooperation, facilitating connections between people to strengthen ties between nations. The theme of this anniversary event, “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, reflects the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy. It aims to build consensus, gather strength, and contribute wisdom to foster a community with a shared future and create a better world.Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia, former President of the World Leadership Alliance - Club de Madrid (WLA-CdM), and member of the InterAction Council, also delivered a speech. He praised the CPAFFC as an important platform for people-to-people diplomacy, playing a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding, and building trust. He noted that, amid the complex challenges facing the world today, Beijing’s successful experiences in urbanization, technological innovation, and sustainable development offer valuable lessons for other countries. Türk expressed confidence that Beijing will continue to lead the global trend in urbanization and contribute further wisdom to global cooperation and green development.Prior to the reception, international guests visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center?to learn about urban planning, construction progress, and the achievements of the “Two Zones” opening-up initiative. They also experienced the historical, cultural, and ecological landscape of the Grand Canal by taking a boat ride and visited the Beijing Performing Arts Centre, the Beijing Library, and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing. The reception featured a series of captivating cultural performances enjoyed by guests from China and abroad.The event was attended by Zhao Lei, Member of the Standing Committee and Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Committee, Wang Jianzhong, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal People’s?Congress, Zeng Jin, Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, Han Yu, Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal CPPCC, as well as former political leaders from many countries, heads of international friendship organizations, representatives from foreign institutions, multinational enterprises, and friends of China.
President Yang Wanming Attends the 4th Leader’s Meeting of ASEAN-China of People-to-People Friendship Organizations
On October 10, the 4th Leader’s Meeting of ASEAN-China?of People-to-People Friendship Organizations was held in Beijing. President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended and delivered the keynote speech. Key representatives from people-to-people friendship organizations of the ten ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, participated and shared their thoughts and suggestions on ASEAN-China?people-to-people exchanges. The meeting, themed “Renewing Our Original Aspirations and Moving Forward: Creating the Future of Friendship Together”, facilitated pragmatic and friendly exchanges between the two sides, leading to positive consensus on deepening ASEAN-China?people-to-people cooperation.President Yang welcomed the representatives of ASEAN people-to-people friendship organizations to Beijing to attend the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC. He noted that in 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed the joint construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road with ASEAN countries, aimed at building a closer ASEAN-China?community with a shared future. In 2021, during the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, President Xi further advocated for the creation of “five harmonious homes”—a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and an amicable?home—which received active support from ASEAN nations. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders from both sides, the building of a ASEAN-China?community with a shared future has made solid progress and achieved fruitful results, establishing ASEAN-China?relations as a model of vitality and success in Asia-Pacific regional cooperation.In his speech, President Yang offered four suggestions for future ASEAN-China?people-to-people friendship efforts: uphold the spirit of peace and promote Asian values; advance pragmatic cooperation and expand mutual interests; deepen local and cultural exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties; and focus on youth exchanges to cultivate successors for the friendship cause. He emphasized that the CPAFFC is committed to working together with ASEAN people-to-people organizations and friends to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. By enhancing practical cooperation across various sectors at the local and civil levels and expanding cultural exchanges, they aim to further solidify the social and public foundation of ASEAN-China?friendship. This collaboration will contribute to the joint construction of the “five harmonious homes” and the development of a closer ASEAN-China?community with a shared future.Sinnava Souphanouvong, the Minister?of the?Lao Prime Minister’s Office, the current ASEAN chair, and Vice President of the Laos-China Friendship Association, read out a joint congratulatory letter from the people-to-people friendship organizations of the ten ASEAN countries to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. Leaders of the ASEAN people-to-people friendship organizations delivered speeches, commending the CPAFFC for its remarkable contributions over the past 70 years to promoting global peace and friendship, especially in strengthening ASEAN-China people-to-people ties. Looking ahead, they expressed a strong willingness to deepen cooperation with the CPAFFC, working together to enhance ASEAN-China friendship and contribute to building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.The meeting concluded with an agreement that the 15th Conference?on?ASEAN -China People-to-People Friendship will be held in the Philippines in 2025.
President Yang Wanming Holds Collective Meeting with Friends of China from Latin America and the Caribbean
On October 10, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a collective meeting with former President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, and leaders of friendship organizations from Latin American and Caribbean countries, who were invited to China to attend the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC.President Yang expressed his gratitude to former President Lasso and the distinguished guests for traveling long distances to participate in the celebrations. He praised their long-standing efforts in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Latin America. President Yang emphasized that China and Latin America are comprehensive cooperation partners committed to advancing equality, mutual benefit, and shared development. The two sides have consistently extended strong support to each other on major issues concerning their core interests, standing together in solidarity during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and building a deep and enduring friendship between their peoples. Over the past 70 years since the founding of the CPAFFC, friendship organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean have worked closely with the CPAFFC, making tireless efforts to enhance exchanges and cooperation in culture, youth engagement, sister city partnerships, trade, and technology. President Yang affirmed the CPAFFC’s commitment to taking?the 70th anniversary as a new starting point to strengthen collaboration with these organizations, continuing to write a new chapter of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of China and Latin America, and advancing the building of a China-Latin America community with a shared future.Former President Lasso and other friends from the region extended warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC. They highly praised the CPAFFC’s active role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship among nations and deepening exchanges and cooperation across various sectors. They expressed their hope that this visit would enable them to better understand and learn from the latest achievements and experiences of Chinese modernization. Looking forward, they expressed a desire to strengthen communication, coordination, and mutual visits with the CPAFFC, jointly contributing to the cause of China-Latin America friendship, achieving new outcomes, and bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both regions.Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, accompanied President Yang at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Holds Collective Meeting with Former Foreign Leaders Attending the China International Friendship Conference
On October 9, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a collective meeting with several former foreign leaders who were in China to attend the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC.President Yang welcomed and expressed his gratitude to the former leaders for attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC. He noted that humanity is currently facing multiple challenges and difficulties, which can only be overcome through enhanced unity and cooperation among nations. President Xi Jinping’s proposals, including building a community with a shared future for mankind, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, provide China’s solutions to addressing these common global challenges. The primary goal of this conference and the commemorative activities is to further solidify the consensus of the international civil society on building a community with a shared future for mankind. The CPAFFC, adhering to the principles of “Friendship, Cooperation, Peace, and Development”, is committed to strengthening pragmatic cooperation with civil forces across the world, injecting positive energy into global peace and development.The former leaders commended President Xi Jinping’s forward-looking vision reflected in the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the three global initiatives, recognizing them as contributions of Chinese wisdom and solutions to global issues. They acknowledged China’s role in safeguarding world peace and promoting shared development. The former leaders also congratulated the CPAFFC on its 70th anniversary, expressing appreciation for its significant contributions to enhancing friendship between the peoples of China and other countries.The meeting was attended by members of the InterAction Council, including Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Bertie Ahern, former Prime Minister of Ireland; Petar Stoyanov, former President of the Republic of?Bulgaria; Boris Tadi?, former President of Serbia; Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia; Essam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt; and Peter?Medgyessy, former Prime Minister of Hungary.Vice President Shen Xin and Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC?of the CPAFFC, Sun Tao, were also present at the meeting.
Yang Wanming’s Interview with People’s Daily Online on the 50th Anniversary of China-Brazil Diplomatic Relations
During a recent interview with People’s Daily?Online, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), remarked that the foundation of friendship between China and Brazil has grown stronger over the past 50 years of diplomatic relations. The bilateral relationship has become more significant, and the prospects for cooperation are more promising. “The pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, finance, agriculture, science and technology, and aerospace will surely bring more tangible benefits to both nations and their peoples.”Abundant Achievements in Pragmatic CooperationFrom 2018 to 2022, Yang Wanming served as China’s Ambassador to Brazil, witnessing many significant moments in the development of bilateral relations. Reflecting on the past five decades, he noted several key milestones: in 1993, Brazil became the first developing country to establish a strategic partnership with China. In 2012, it became the first major Latin American nation to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. In April 2023, Brazil?President?Lula?da?Silva?paid a state visit to China, during which he held talks with President Xi Jinping. The two sides issued a joint statement on deepening comprehensive strategic partnership, advancing bilateral relations to a new level.Since 2009, China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while Brazil remains China’s largest destination for direct investment in Latin America. According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade between China and Brazil reached USD 181.53 billion in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive year that trade exceeded USD 100 billion.Yang stated that over the past 50 years, China and Brazil have achieved fruitful results in cooperation across sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and technological innovation. Economic and trade cooperation, in particular, has laid a solid material foundation for the stable development of bilateral relations.Promising Prospects for Joint ProgressThis November, the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Recently, President Lula da Silva?expressed his intention to hold bilateral talks with China following the summit to explore the establishment of a “l(fā)ong-term strategic partnership”.As the largest developing countries and significant emerging markets in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, respectively, China and Brazil play critical?roles in promoting a more just and equitable new international order. Yang emphasized that the two countries closely cooperate within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the G20, not only advancing their own development but also robustly safeguarding the common interests of the broader developing world.Recently, the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session?was successfully held. It focused on comprehensively deepening reform with the goal of advancing Chinese modernization and outlined strategic arrangements to further enhance a higher level of opening-up. “This will bring new opportunities for China and Brazil to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development,” said Yang.Yang noted that the Brazilian government is actively advancing its “reindustrialization” strategy, promoting technological innovation, and accelerating the transition to a green, low-carbon economy. This aligns closely with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has made significant technological advances in emerging fields such as photovoltaics, energy storage, artificial intelligence?(AI), the Internet of Things?(IoT), 5G, and the digital economy. “In the future, both sides will further synergize the BRI with Brazil’s reindustrialization strategy through cooperation,” Yang stated.He emphasized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil, an important milestone symbolizing continuity and progress. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, political mutual trust will continue to deepen, and the prospects for cooperation will grow even broader.Deepening People-to-People ExchangesDuring his three-year tenure as China’s Ambassador to Brazil, Yang was deeply impressed by the local people’s?open and kind nature, the diversity and inclusiveness of the culture, and the vast and captivating landscapes. “If I were to summarize Brazil’s characteristics in a few words, I would say vast land and resources, cultural diversity, and youthful vitality,” Yang shared. He highlighted Brazil’s rich resources, including land, minerals, forests, fresh water, and tourism, as well as its history of multi-ethnic integration, which has cultivated a rich and inclusive culture. The whole society radiates vitality, showcasing Brazil’s significant development potential.He pointed out that cultural exchanges between China and Brazil contribute to enriching the lives of their peoples and foster mutual understanding, thus providing a solid foundation of public support for the stable development of friendly relations between the two countries.Yang introduced that in the future, CPAFFC plans to design more “small yet impactful” projects for people-to-people exchanges between China and Brazil. This includes strengthening exchanges between youths, think tanks, media, cultural, and sports sectors, as well as establishing more high-quality sister city relationships. Efforts will be made to expand existing sister city cooperation to communities, schools, and hospitals, increasing public awareness, participation, and a sense of benefit from these partnerships, thus continuously injecting new vitality into the sustained and healthy development of bilateral relations.This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Yang stated, “We cherish those old friends who laid the groundwork for China-Brazil relations, and we look forward to welcoming more diverse new friends to the cause of people-to-people friendship between China and Brazil. We hope that these exchanges will be warmer and deeper, bringing the two nations closer together.”
