U.S. Youth Choirs Visit Fuzhou Campuses as Part of the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival
On the morning of July 11, 2025, U.S. youth choirs participating in the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival visited several universities and secondary schools in Fuzhou, where they engaged in warm and lively exchanges with local students and faculty.?Together, the young participants explored elements of China's intangible cultural heritage, sang beloved songs in both Chinese and English, and built friendships through music, shared emotion, and heart-to-heart interaction. United in harmony, the youth from two?countries voiced their hopes for peace and lasting friendship through song.?Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the activities.Tacoma Lincoln High School Choir visited Fuzhou Education College Affiliated High SchoolStadium High School Choir (Tacoma) visited Fuzhou Senior High SchoolSouthern Methodist University Choir visited Fujian Vocational College of ArtBrigham Young University Combined Choir and Women's Choir visited Fujian Normal UniversityUtah Valley University Choir and Pure N Heart Choir visited Minjiang UniversityOne Voice Choir visited Fuzhou No. 16 High SchoolSt. Genevieve High School?Valiant?Voices visited Fuzhou No. 11 High School
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with Chief Administrative Officer of Nepal's Lumbini Cultural Municipality Tara Gyawali
On July 10, 2025, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met in Beijing with Tara Gyawali, Chief Administrative Officer of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Nepal, Tara Gyawali was visiting China to attend the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting.?The two sides exchanged views on fully harnessing the role of cultural exchange as a bridge for enhancing people-to-people friendship between China and Nepal and advancing practical cooperation between subnational governments of the two countries.Qing Boming, Director-General?of the Department of Friendship City Affairs and Cultural Exchanges of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.
Vice President Lu Xiangdong Meets with Permanent Secretary of the Union Sacrée de la Nation (USN) and Head of the DRC-China Friendship Group in the National Assembly André Mbata
On July 10, 2025, Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met in Beijing with André?Mbata, Permanent Secretary of the Union Sacrée de la Nation (USN) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Head of the DRC-China Friendship Group in the National Assembly.?Mbata was visiting China to attend the Global Civilizations?Dialogue?Ministerial Meeting.?The two sides held in-depth discussions on further strengthening people-to-people engagement, subnational?cooperation, cultural?exchanges and youth friendship between China and the DRC, and working together to promote the broader development of China-DRC and China-Africa relations.Fran?ois Balumuene Nkane, Ambassador of the DRC to China and Huang Xiaowei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC,?were present at the meeting.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Visits Thailand to Attend Celebrations Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Thailand Diplomatic Relations
From July 4 to 7, 2025, at the invitation of Thai friendship organizations, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),?led a delegation to Thailand to attend a series of celebratory events marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, under the theme "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship."The delegation attended the?reception hosted by the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, as well as the lighting ceremony of the Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China-Thailand Culture Month, organized by the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Economy Association.?In his remarks, Vice President Yuan stated that the "Golden Jubilee" of China–Thailand friendship has been made possible by the strategic foresight and leadership of the two countries'?top leaders, the heartfelt engagement and mutual support of the Chinese and Thai peoples across geographical distances, and the tireless efforts of friendship organizations and individuals from all sectors of society.?The China–Thailand relationship enjoys favorable conditions—timing, geography, and popular support—and represents the will of the people and the trend of the times.?The CPAFFC will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with all sectors in Thailand. Guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of two?countries, the CPAFFC will work to build more bridges for people-to-people engagement, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, contributing to the development of a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future.During the visit, Vice President Yuan held meetings with Suchat Chomklin, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Prasitsak Meelarp, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Thailand; Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Korn Dabbaransi, President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association; Bhokin Bhalakula, President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Economy Association; and Zhang Yang, President of the Thai Cultural and Economic Association.?They exchanged views on further strengthening people-to-people exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.?Vice President Yuan also held discussions and reached broad consensus with Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Board of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Thanavath Phonvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Vason Temsiripong, President of the Thai Young Chinese Entrepreneurs Association; Khunging Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul, Chairperson of the Thai Women Entrepreneurs Association; and Chansamorn Wattanavekin, Founding Chairwoman of the Thai-Chinese Women's Association.The Thai side highly commended the significant achievements of China-Thailand cooperation over the past five decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties?and expressed appreciation for the CPAFFC's long-standing contributions to deepening bilateral friendship and fostering people-to-people connectivity.?The Thai royal family and government place great importance on relations with China and are committed to taking the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in areas such as economy and trade, culture, youth, and local?governments,?support friendship organizations in two?countries to carry out more practical, people-centered activities, with the goal of reinforcing the "China and Thailand are One Family"?spirit and contributing to the next "Golden Jubilee"?of China-Thailand relations.The delegation also visited the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and held discussions with Wu Zhiwu, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
Vice President Shen Xin Attends the 3rd Gansu International Sister Cities Industrial Investment Promotion & Economic Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Activity
On July 6, 2025, the 3rd?Gansu International Sister Cities Industrial Investment Promotion & Economic Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Activity was held in Lanzhou, Gansu Province.?The event brought together more than 200 participants, including representatives from the governments, enterprises, and civil society organizations of Gansu's sister cities in 21 countries, including Mongolia, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Spain, as well as diplomats stationed in China, and representatives from?multinational companies, chambers of commerce, international friendship organizations, and other international friends from diverse backgrounds.?Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the event and delivered remarks.In his remarks, Vice President Shen Xin emphasized that international sister cities serve as a vital window into China's subnational engagement with the world. They are important platforms for facilitating international economic and trade cooperation, advancing industrial collaboration, and achieving mutual benefit and shared development. Gansu Province has, over the years, fostered dynamic, wide-ranging, and uniquely characterized exchanges with its international sister cities. These efforts have strengthened mutual understanding and friendship with people around the world, while also supporting Gansu's own opening-up and socio-economic progress.?Vice President Shen Xin stated that the CPAFFC is committed to building more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical?cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, and?continuously?supporting?and promoting?exchanges and cooperation?between Chinese subnational governments and their counterparts abroad across a broad range of sectors, to?better benefit?the?people of China and other countries and contribute to lasting regional and global peace and development?as well as?the shared goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Inauguration of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship Held in Hong Kong
On July 5, 2025, the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship was held with grandeur in Hong Kong. Lee Ka Chiu John, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Cui Jianchun, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), and Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, Founding President of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, attended the inauguration ceremony and delivered remarks. The event brought together over 300 guests, including representatives from the Chinese mainland and various sectors of Hong Kong society, as well as diplomatic and consular officials from multiple countries stationed in Hong Kong and international friends from diverse backgrounds.In their remarks, the guests?extended heartfelt congratulations on the founding of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship and expressed hope that the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship will serve as an important platform for enhancing Hong Kong's external cooperation, fostering people-to-people diplomacy, and strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between China and the wider international community.
Youth Delegation from Okinawa, Japan Successfully Concludes Visit to China
At the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a 22-member youth delegation from Okinawa, Japan visited China, with stops in Fujian and Beijing. During their stay, the delegation participated in exchange activities with Chinese youth in both locations.On July 1, 2025, CPAFFC Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the delegation in Beijing and hosted a welcome dinner in their honor. Vice President Yuan extended a warm welcome to the guests, noting that China and Japan are close, important?neighbors separated only by a strip of water,. It is hoped that through the?visit, the Japanese youth would?gain a more comprehensive and understanding understanding and appreciation of the long-standing friendship between the two countries, as well as China's development achievements in the new era, and contribute to China-Japan friendship. China remains committed to expanding platforms for youth exchange between the two countries, fostering mutual understanding and trust through dialogue, and advancing friendship and cooperation through innovation, thereby strengthening public support for the long-term development of China-Japan relations.Nakamura Haruna, head of the delegation and Associate Professor at the University of the Ryukyus, remarked that the development of Japan-China relations relies on broad public engagement and support. This visit had provided the delegation with a deeper understanding of China and the historical evolution of bilateral ties. It is hoped that young people from the two countries can build and sustain enduring friendships and become ambassadors of peace and goodwill between Japan and China. Members of the delegation shared their impressions of the visit, saying that it had deepened mutual understanding and fostered valuable friendships. They expressed a strong desire to contribute their youth and energy to the cause of Japan-China friendship in the years ahead.During the visit, the delegation toured several universities, businesses, and cultural sites, including the China-Ryukyu History Research Institute at Fujian Normal University, the Pingbei Memorial Hall of Anti-Japanese War in Beijing, Beijing Language and Culture University, JD Logistics, and the Beijing Advanced Autonomous Driving Demonstration Center. These visits offered the delegation insights into China's historical legacy and its achievements in economic and social development, while also providing opportunities for meaningful exchanges with Chinese university students.
Reception Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Bolivia Diplomatic Relations Held in Beijing
On July 2, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Bolivia in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Hugo Siles, Bolivian Ambassador to China attended the reception and delivered remarks. The reception was attended by around 100 guests, including officials from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal Government, and the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as well as ambassadors from various countries and Bolivian nationals residing in China.In his remarks, Vice President Shen Xin highlighted Bolivia as a significant progressive force in Latin America. Over the past four decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of two countries, political mutual trust between China and Bolivia has steadily deepened, practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and people-to-people and subnational exchanges have flourished. The bilateral strategic partnership continues to advance to new heights. The recently concluded Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing was a success. President Xi Jinping, with great foresight, proposed "Five Programs"?for building a China-CELAC community with a shared future, offering strategic direction for the development of China-CELAC relations and injecting strong momentum into joint efforts.?China?is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bolivia and other Global South countries within multilateral frameworks, promote shared prosperity, deepen mutual learning among civilizations, safeguard global peace, and foster closer ties between peoples.Ambassador Hugo Siles?also addressed the gathering and read a congratulatory letter from Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa?to the Chinese side on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.?The message from the Bolivian side emphasized that since July 9, 1985, the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries—grounded in equal dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding—have brought tangible benefits to two?peoples.?Bolivia, sharing similar development philosophies with China, has always regarded China as a strategic partner and brotherly nation. It remains committed to further strengthening solidarity with China and working tirelessly toward building a community with a shared future for mankind and a more prosperous world.Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Miao Deyu expressed sincere appreciation to individuals from two?countries who have long supported and contributed to the advancement of China-Bolivia relations.?He remarked that the bilateral relationship has weathered the evolving global landscape and followed a remarkable path of development, becoming a model of genuine friendship, partnership, and brotherhood.?In November of last year, President Xi Jinping and President Luis Arce held a productive meeting in Rio de Janeiro, which charted a new course for the future of bilateral ties.?China is committed to carrying forward its traditional friendship with Bolivia, strengthening cooperative bonds, deepening cultural exchanges, and further elevating the strategic partnership to new heights.The reception also featured a small photo exhibition showcasing Bolivian culture and traditions, along with an?exhibit of entries from the "China and Bolivia?are One Big Family"?painting competition.?Chinese artists performed classic songs from two?countries, creating a warm, festive, and friendly atmosphere throughout the event.
Reception Celebrating Mozambique's 50th Independence Anniversary & 50 Years of Mozambique-China Diplomatic Relations Held in Beijing
On June 25, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Mozambique in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the Mozambique's 50th Independence Anniversary & 50 Years of Mozambique-China Diplomatic Relations. Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Maria Manso, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Mozambique, attended the reception and delivered remarks. Ambassador Lei Kezhong of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maria Gustava of Mozambique to China, as well as representatives from various sectors in both China and Mozambique, ambassadors and diplomats from other countries in China, and representatives from international organizations, totaling about 300 attendees, were present at the reception.In his remarks, Vice President Lu spoke highly of the longstanding friendship and cooperative achievements between China and Mozambique. He quoted President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to President Daniel Francisco Chapo, noting that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, despite changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, with their friendship remaining as solid as ever. The CPAFFC is committed to, taking the 50th anniversary of China-Mozambique diplomatic relations as a new starting point, collaborate with all sectors in Mozambique, fully leverage the role of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, and contribute wisdom and strength to deepening and enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mozambique.Maria Manso said that China is a trusted and reliable friend and partner to Mozambique. The Mozambique side is grateful to China for its long-standing support in Mozambique's economic and social development and expressed a desire to further strengthen cooperation with China within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Mozambique firmly believes that, under the leadership of President Daniel Francisco Chapo and President Xi Jinping, the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to reach new heights, contributing positively to world peace and stable development.During the reception, the Beijing Rainbow Symphony Orchestra and Mozambican artists presented wonderful cultural performances, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere at the event.
