Vice President Sun Xueqing Meets with Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Dong Huy Cuong
On December 22, 2025, Vice President Sun Xueqing of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), and his delegation, during their visit to China.Vice President Sun Xueqing emphasized that under the strategic guidance of the highest leaders of both the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), China-Vietnam relations have continued to progress positively, with fruitful cooperation in various fields and a deepening of people-to-people ties. The CPAFFC is committed to maintaining close communication with VUFO, strengthening cooperation and experience exchanges in areas of people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation, culture, youth, etc., and further advancing the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.?Dong Huy Cuong highly praised the CPAFFC for its significant contributions to promoting Vietnam-China friendship and international cooperation. The Vietnamese side will actively learn from China's advanced theories and innovative practices in governance, particularly in people-to-people exchanges, so as to promote exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in various sectors between the two countries, thereby helping elevate Vietnam-China relations to new heights.Zhang Peng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.
Thai Young Entrepreneurs Delegation Successfully Visits China
At the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a delegation of 29 Thai young entrepreneurs, organized by the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association, visited Zhejiang from December 10, 2025 to December 14, 2025.(Visiting Holley Group)During their visit, the delegation traveled to various cities in Zhejiang, including Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Yiwu. They visited companies such as Alibaba and Holley Group, toured the Zhejiang Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, Li Zu Village, and the "Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe" China-Europe Railway Express Railway Port, and participated in an e-commerce-themed training session. The delegation gained firsthand experience of China's outstanding traditional culture, rural revitalization practices, economic and social development vitality, industrial innovation and upgrading, as well as China's high level of openness to the outside world.(Top left: Participating in an e-commerce training session; Top right: Meeting with the Yiwu Cross-Border E-commerce Association; Bottom left: Visiting Alibaba Group; Bottom Right: Visiting the "Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe" China-Europe Railway Express Departure Port)The members of the delegation expressed that visiting China during the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China was a valuable and meaningful opportunity. They considered the visit to Zhejiang a journey to explore cooperation and deepen friendship. They expressed their enthusiasm for actively sharing their experiences, insights, and knowledge gained during the visit and for promoting exchanges and cooperation between young entrepreneurs in two countries. This will help strengthen the longstanding friendly ties between Thailand and China. The delegation looks forward to China's continued achievements during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period and aims to collaborate for mutual benefit and common development by riding the fast track of China's growth.Xing Huidong, Vice President of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Gao Jin, Standing Committee Member of the CPC Yiwu Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Yiwu City, attended the relevant events.
Vice President Shen Xin Visits Germany and Costa Rica
From December 7 to December 11, 2025, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Germany and Costa Rica.(Top: Vice President Shen meets with Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, and Kai Merce, Director of the Communication and Engagement Division of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat; Bottom: Photo with Gino Van Begin)During the visit to Germany, Vice President Shen met with Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of the ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, and Kai Merce, Director of the Communication and Engagement Division of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the CPAFFC, ICLEI, and the UN Climate Change Conference, as well as promoting greater participation of Chinese cities in UN Climate Change Conferences, Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and other related events. They also explored opportunities for practical exchanges and cooperation between cities and enterprises from China and abroad in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.?(Top: Vice President Shen pays visits to Rodrigo Arias Sánchez, President of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica, and Luis Fernando Mendoza, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Costa Rican Legislative Assembly and Head of the Costa Rica-China Parliamentary Friendship Group; Bottom left: Photo with representatives from the National Union of Local Governments of Costa Rica; Bottom right: Photo with representatives from the?Costa Rica-China Friendship Association.)During the visit to Costa Rica, Vice President Shen attended and addressed the China-Costa Rica Friendship Exchange Meeting and Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Event, co-hosted by the CPAFFC and the Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica. He also met with Rodrigo Arias Sánchez, President of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica, and Luis Fernando Mendoza, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Costa Rican Legislative Assembly and Head of the Costa Rica-China Parliamentary Friendship Group. Additionally, work discussions were held with the National Union of Local Governments of Costa Rica and the Costa Rica-China Friendship Association. Wang Xiaoyao, the Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica, attended the relevant events.(China-Costa Rica Friendship Exchange Meeting and Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Event)
Promotion Event for the Lecture Tour by Ambassadors from African Countries · Shanxi 2025 Successfully Held
On December 9, 2025, the Promotion Event for the Lecture Tour by Ambassadors from African Countries · Shanxi 2025 was successfully held in Taiyuan. Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Dong Xiaolin, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Shanxi Province; and Li Guorong, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Shanxi Province, attended the event and delivered remarks. Ambassadors from five African countries in China—Daouda Bitie, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to China; Abigail Shoniwa, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to China; and Misenga Mpuka Mamissa, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in China, along with other ambassadors, introduced their respective countries. Counsellor Zhan Xiaobo from the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China gave a policy briefing on China-Africa cooperation. Nearly 200 representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Shanxi Province, State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Federation of Industry and Commerce, universities, enterprises and the media attended the event.(Vice President Lu Xiangdong delivers remarks)In his remarks, Vice President Lu Xiangdong emphasized that China and Africa are close friends, sharing a bond of mutual support and a shared destiny. Subnational cooperation is the vital force that sustains China-Africa relations. This event has provided a platform for information sharing and bilateral exchanges in subnational cooperation between China and Africa. The development needs of African countries align closely with Shanxi's industrial transformation, and the cooperation between the two sides has significant advantages and promising prospects. Strengthening friendly exchanges will inject new momentum into China-Africa relations.Vice President Lu Xiangdong also highlighted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has outlined an ambitious blueprint for China's economic and social development over the next five years. China will firmly promote high-quality development, expand high-level opening-up, and share opportunities for common development with countries in the Global South, including African countries, creating a new framework for win-win cooperation. The CPAFFC is committed to assisting subnational governments in China and Africa in strengthening practical cooperation, promoting people-to-people connectivity, and advancing China-Africa relations to new heights.(Left: Daouda Bitie, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to China, makes introduction of the country; Middle: Abigail Shoniwa, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to China, makes introduction; Right: Misenga Mpuka Mamissa, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in China, makes introduction.)Ambassadors from Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and the Central African Republic expressed their gratitude for China's long-standing selfless support for Africa's economic and social development. They introduced their countries' national conditions, industrial advantages, investment environment, and cooperation opportunities with China, focusing on investment projects in infrastructure construction, agriculture, energy, and green development. The ambassadors unanimously agreed that China-Africa cooperation is a model for new international relations and South-South cooperation. They expressed their commitment to further expanding exchanges with Shanxi Province and other provinces and cities in China, strengthening economic and trade relations and cultural exchanges, and increasing the number of friendly cities, ensuring that the fruits of China-Africa cooperation better benefit the people of both sides.(Top left: Bertha Amakali, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Namibia to China, introduces her country; Top right: Charles Lasserre Yakite, Economic Counselor of the Embassy of the Central African Republic to China, introduces his country; Bottom: Event venue.On December 8, 2025, Zhu Xiaodong, Vice Governor of Shanxi Province, met with the African diplomatic delegation in Taiyuan. During their visit to Shanxi, the delegation also visited local enterprises in green energy, modern agriculture, food processing, and infrastructure construction, and toured historical and cultural landmarks.The Lecture Tour by Ambassadors from African Countries is an important platform created by the CPAFFC to promote practical cooperation between domestic provinces and African countries. It aims to help subnational governments and enterprises understand Africa and foster subnational exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa. Since its inception in 2008, the program has brought African ambassadors to more than 20 provinces and cities across China. This year's lecture tour was organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Shanxi Province and the Shanxi Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
Vice President Sun Xueqing Meets with Louis Aliot, Mayor of Perpignan, France
On December 9, 2025, Vice President Sun Xueqing of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Louis Aliot, Mayor of Perpignan, France, who was visiting China at the invitation of the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on strengthening subnational exchanges between China and France, advancing practical cooperation, and establishing friendly city partnerships.
Vice President Sun Xueqing Meets with Economy Minister of Northern Ireland Local Government Caoimhe Archibald
On?December 8, 2025, Vice President Sun Xueqing of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister of the Northern Ireland Local Government?and her?delegation.Vice President Sun Xueqing extended a warm welcome to Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald?and her?delegation to China, introducing the key points of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized that China is committed to advancing high-quality development and a high level of opening-up, and expressed China's willingness to share opportunities and promote mutual development with countries around the world. He also highlighted the CPAFFC's strong commitment to fostering practical cooperation and friendly city exchanges with regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland Vice President Sun Xueqing expressed appreciation for the longstanding positive cooperation with the Northern Ireland local government and reiterated the CPAFFC's readiness to strengthen these partnerships by building more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, thereby promoting steady and long-term cooperation between China and the UK at the subnational level.Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald?highly praised the CPAFFC's important role in advancing subnational cooperation and friendly city exchanges between China and the UK. She shared Northern Ireland's unique economic and trade position, as well as its ongoing cooperation with China in areas such as economy, education, and cultural tourism. Caoimhe Archibald?expressed her desire to further develop friendly relations with China, expand channels for exchange and cooperation, and share development opportunities.Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC and Kerry Curran, representative of the Northern Ireland Local Government in China, were present at the meeting.
The 13th Vietnam-China People's Forum Successfully Held
From November 24 to November?25,?2025,?the 13th Vietnam-China People's Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), was successfully held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Sun Xueqing,?Vice President of the CPAFFC;?He Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam;?Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations;?and Ngo Le Van, Deputy Minister of Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs;?as well as 26 experts and representatives from the political, economic and trade, cultural, and media sectors of two?countries, attended the forum. During the forum, Bui Thi Minh Hoai, member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, met with the Chinese and Vietnamese participants.Bui Thi Minh Hoai?highly praised the positive role the Vietnam-China People's Forum?has played in enhancing mutual understanding and building cooperative consensus between the two countries. She expressed the hope that the friendship organizations and experts from two countries would fully leverage bilateral exchange mechanisms, such as the Vietnam-China People's Forum, to effectively translate the strategic goals set by the top leaders of two countries into public consensus and concrete actions, thus contributing to the continued development of the Vietnam-China?comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.The theme of this year's forum was "Celebrating 75 Years of China-Vietnam Friendship: Consolidating Public Support for Building a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future."?Participants reflected on the overall development of China-Vietnam?relations over the past 75 years and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as national governance models?and perspectives, China-Vietnam?economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as cooperation in education and science and technology. They also offered policy recommendations for advancing the construction of a China-Vietnam?community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.Both sides agreed that, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of two?countries and the two Parties, bilateral cooperation in various fields has expanded, connectivity has improved across the board, cultural exchanges have thrived, and the outcomes of friendly cooperation have been abundant. As an important platform for people-to-people diplomacy, the Vietnam-China?People's Forum serves as a living example of how the friendship organizations of the two countries implement the important consensus reached by top leaders?of two?countries and the two Parties.?Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen their historical responsibility and mission, uphold the 16-word guideline of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship and comprehensive cooperation" and the spirit of "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners", and work towards the overall goal of the 'six mores', i.e., greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination and better handling of differences,?to continue contributing people's wisdom and strength toward the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.The Vietnam-China?People's Forum was jointly established in 2010 by the CPAFFCA and the VUFO. It has served as a valuable platform for the two countries?to exchange public opinion, enhance mutual trust, build consensus, and pursue common development. In April of this year, the forum was highlighted as a key initiative under the theme of "Consolidating Public Support for Building a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future"?in the?Joint Statement Between China and Vietnam?on Further Deepening and Elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Building a?China-Vietnam Community With a Shared Future that Carries Strategic Significance.
China-US Counter-Narcotics Cooperation and Comprehensive Dialogue Opens in Shanghai
On November 21, 2025, the China-US Counter-Narcotics Cooperation and Comprehensive Dialogue opened in Shanghai. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); and Duan Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Shanghai University Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Marcel Arsenault, Founder of the Arsenault Family Foundation, delivered a video remarks.In his remarks, Vice President Shen Xin noted that the meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents had charted a course for the development of bilateral relations. At this pivotal moment, the establishment of this unofficial and constructive dialogue platform aims to provide an opportunity for officials, scholars, and practitioners to engage in candid discussions, share experiences, build consensus, and explore potential pathways forward. Vice President Shen Xin expressed the hope that through this dialogue, both sides would enhance mutual understanding, narrow perception gaps, focus on cooperation, jointly explore practical and feasible ways to advance, and build mutual trust to lay a solid foundation for deeper and broader cooperation in the future.This dialogue is co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Arsenault Family Foundation (USA) Beijing Representative Office, and organized by the International Center for Drug Policy Studies, Shanghai University. The theme of the dialogue is "Emerging Synthetic Opioid Threats: From Fentanyl to Nitazenes and Beyond". Over the course of the two-day dialogue, multidisciplinary?experts and officials from both China and the United States will share their viewpoints and perspectives on the current opioid abuse crisis, discuss new drug threats facing two countries, and strengthen communication and coordination between relevant personnel from two countries?in addressing the rapidly evolving trends and challenges of drug abuse.
Japanese Non-governmental Groups Issue Statements Condemning Sanae Takaichi's Erroneous Remarks
In response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous?public?remarks on Taiwan?issues, Japanese non-governmental groups and friendly personages?issued statements?of?strong opposition, urging?the Japanese government to follow?the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and take measures to prevent China-Japan relations from falling into stalemate.On November 17, 2025, Tokuichiro Utsunomiya, President of the Japan-China Friendship Association?(JCFA), released a public statement pointing out that Takaichi's remarks are extremely erroneous. The statement?noted that in today's turbulent world, it is essential to bring stability and hope to the world with?Japan-China friendship. However, Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks in the congress, claiming?that "a?Taiwan Emergency constitutes?a?survival-threatening situation?for Japan".?The association expressed?deep concerns?that such remarks would severely damage Japan-China relations and strongly urged the Japanese government to take effective measures in line with the spirit of the four political documents between Japan and China to improve the current situation.On November 18, Hisashi Inoue, President of?JCFA, publicly issued a statement titled "Protest against Prime Minister Takaichi's Remarks 'A Taiwan Emergency constitutes?a survival-threatening situation?for Japan'?and Demand for Its Immediate Retraction". The statement noted?that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and that the statement about so-called "survival-threatening situation for Japan"?itself is an interference in China's internal affairs, violating the Japanese government's commitment to the one-China principle as stated in the 1972 Japan-China?joint statement. Takaichi's remarks have abruptly heightened tensions in Japan-China relations and are dangerous statements that could drag Japan into war. The association strongly protested?against it?and demanded an immediate retraction.Noriyuki Kawamura,?emeritus professor at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies and Vice President of the Japan-China Relations Society, said?in an interview that all Japanese experts he knows believe that Takaichi's remarks are extremely erroneous and she should immediately retract her erroneous remarks. The Japan-China joint statement clearly stipulates?that Japanese government recognizes the one-China principle and respects the position that "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory."?This is the cornerstone of China-Japan relations, and it is extremely important to uphold and safeguard this principle.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Meets with Maltese Minister of Agriculture Delegation
On November 11,?2025,?Vice President?Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Anton Refalo, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries?and Animal Rights of Malta at the CPAFFC.Vice President Yuan Mindao extended a welcome to Minister Refalo and the delegation. He highlighted the guiding principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, emphasizing that China will steadfastly advance high-quality development and high-level opening-up, and stand ready?to share opportunities and promote mutual development with all countries. Yuan emphasized that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to?advancing exchanges with Malta?and other European countries, and stands ready to better build bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, to promote the stable and long-term development of China-Europe and China-Malta relations.Minister Refalo spoke highly of the traditional friendship and cooperation between Malta and China. He expressed that Malta?is ready?to strengthen economic, trade, and cultural?exchanges with China, and work?together?for global prosperity and stability.John Busuttil,?Maltese Ambassador to China;?Lyu?Hongwei,?Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC;?among others, were present at the meeting.
