Vice President Shen Xin Hosts Spring Reception for Diplomatic Envoys from Pacific Island Countries
On February 26, Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), hosted a?reception for diplomatic envoys of Pacific Island Countries (PICs)?to China to discuss friendly people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and PICs. Ambassadors and diplomats from six countries—Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Nauru—as well as the?Trade Commissioner of the Pacific Trade Invest China attended the event upon invitation. Wang Yanxia, Vice President of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Sun Tao, Director-General?of the CPAFFC?Department?of American and Oceanian Affairs, were also present?at the event.Shen Xin stated that over the past year, the friendly and cooperative relationship between China and PICs?has made encouraging progress. The two sides have witnessed close high-level interactions?and fruitful?practical cooperation. Continued efforts have been made?to advance the building of a China-PICs?community with a shared future?to deliver more benefits to the peoples of both sides. The CPAFFC is willing to join hands with?all parties to build bridges for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among?the peoples of China and PICs?and intensifying cooperation on all fronts and?play an active role in building the China-PICs?community with a shared future.On behalf of all the ambassadors of PICs?to China, Tau'aika?'Uta'atu, Dean of the?PICs'?Diplomatic Corps?in China and Ambassador of Tonga to China, expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC for its extensive efforts over the years in?enhancing friendship among?the peoples of China and?PICs. He also voiced his hope that the two sides would deepen?cooperation in the Year of the Snake, jointly striving for the prosperity and development of China and PICs.Before the?dinner?began, the attending diplomatic envoys participated in a hands-on activity of assembling palace lanterns,?experiencing firsthand the cultural charm of the Spring Festival after its inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Secretary-General Sun Xueqing Leads Delegation to Romania
From February?23 to 27, at the invitation of the?Association of Communes of Romania?(ACoR), Sun Xueqing, Secretary-General?of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Romania. He attended?the?ACoR?Annual Meeting and Partner Organizations Conference held in Bucharest. Among the attendees were heads?or representatives from prominent international organizations composed of local governments, including the European Committee of the Regions, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, the Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South-East Europe,?the Moroccan Association of the Councils of Prefectures and Provinces, the Marmara Municipalities Union?of Türkiye, the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova, the Austrian Association of Municipalities?and the Serbian?Association of Local Authorities.?Sun Xueqing was invited to speak at the meeting. He introduced China's practice and proposals of stimulating the vitality?of localities to further mutually beneficial cooperation,?forge a stronger bond between the peoples, and respond to?global challenges. Moreover, Sun expressed that the CPAFFC will play its unique role and collaborate with all parties concerned to actively build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship, with a view to elevating?the?subnational?exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. The proposal received positive feedback from all attending parties.During his visit, Sun Xueqing held meetings or working talks with Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister?of Romania, Emil Dr?ghici, President of the?ACoR, Aurel Papari, Chairman of the Romania-China Friendship Association, Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Romania-China, and Nicolae Dumitru, Secretary?General of the?Romanian-Chinese House. Sun?expressed his gratitude for their long-standing contributions to the friendship between China and Romania. He added that he will work?with?other?friendly organizations to leverage their?respective influence?and play a leading role in building?a network of people-to-people and subnational?cooperation between China and Romania, and even between China and Europe,?thereby contributing to the development of China-Romania and China-Europe relations. Expressing?their desire to further strengthen ties with the CPAFFC, the Romanian side?said that they will serve as a bridge to contribute to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Romania and China, especially among the youth, and?the facilitation of practical cooperation between local governments of the two countries.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jürg Burri
On February 26, 2025, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended a working dinner with Jürg Burri, Ambassador of Switzerland to China at the Embassy of Switzerland in China upon invitation. The two sides exchanged views on promoting people-to-people exchanges and?subnational cooperation between the two countries.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, was also present.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Leads Delegation to Japan
From February 18 to 22, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Japan. He held meetings with persons in charge?from multiple Japanese organizations. These included the Japan-China Friendship Association?(Public Interest Incorporated Association), the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union, the Japan-China Society, the Japan-China Friendship Center,?the Japan-China Friendship Association, the Soka Gakkai, the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research, the National Governors'?Association, the Japan Association of City Mayors,?the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. During these meetings, they exchanged views on boosting people-to-people friendship between the two countries, strengthening cultural exchanges, especially youth exchange, and deepening subnational cooperation.Yuan Mindao spoke positively of the valuable contributions and unremitting efforts made by Japanese organizations and people?with vision?from all?sectors over the years to facilitate friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. Yuan said the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Lima in November last year reached important consensus, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. At present, China-Japan relations are in a critical period of improvement and development. The two countries have maintained?frequent exchanges at all levels and in all?fields. However, complex and sensitive factors still remain in bilateral relations.?Yuan emphasized that the CPAFFC is ready to work with people from all sectors of society in?Japan to act on the important common understandings reached between the?leaders of the two countries, build more bridges?of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship, promote mutual understanding and forge closer bonds between the two peoples, and harness the strength of the people-to-people sector?to build a?constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.The Japanese side said that Japan and China are important neighbors and enjoy frequent exchanges in all areas, such as?economy, trade, culture, and subnational exchanges. In a world of turmoil and transformation, maintaining sound and stable Japan-China relations is of growing significance.?People-to-people exchanges underpin the growth of?Japan-China relations and?should be further strengthened on an ongoing basis.?They expressed the willingness to?work together with the Chinese side to strengthen cooperation, advance people-to-people exchanges in diverse fields?between the two countries, constantly enhance mutual understanding and friendship?between the two peoples and contribute to the sustained improvement and development of Japan-China relations.
China-Türkiye Friendship Concert Held in Ankara
On February 21, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a friendship concert hosted?by the Turkish-Chinese Women's Friendship and Culture Association (TCWFCA) was held in Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. Musicians from the China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO)?were specially invited by the CPAFFC to collaborate in the performance.Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, held a phone conversation with Tan Ata? President of the TCWFCA, expressing?his heartfelt gratitude for the TCWFCA's meticulous planning of this event and other work it has done. Yang Wanming stated that the CPAFFC places great importance on the friendship between the peoples of China and Türkiye and is willing to work with friends from all sectors in Türkiye to deepen cultural exchanges and cooperation, promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and make new contributions to the sustained, sound?and?steady growth?of bilateral relations.Jiang Xuebin, Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye, attended the event and conveyed the warm congratulations of President Yang Wanming. The concert attracted?approximately 600?people. Among them were Tan Ata?, Hasan ?apan, President of the Turkish Chinese Friendship Foundation (TCFF), Mehmet ?ükrü Ko?o?lu, President of the Turkey-China Friendship Association, ?hsan Be?er, Chairman of the Turkey-China Business Development and Support Association,?as well as diplomatic envoys?from various countries in Türkiye and representatives from all sectors of society in Türkiye. The venue was packed, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly.The concert, featuring classic pieces from both China and Türkiye, was a collaborative performance by violinist Yao Liang, pianist Feng Dan, and soprano Huo Yuanyuan from the CNSO?alongside Türkiye's?Musa G??men Symphony Orchestra.?Under the baton of Turkish conductor Musa G??men, the Chinese and Turkish musicians performed with great passion, presenting the audience with renowned Chinese pieces such as I Love You, China, The Butterfly Lovers, and Jasmine Flower, as well as Turkish classics like?Kumru Ballad, Seeing the Stones of Ankara, and?Your Appearance. The finale, Nihavend?Longa, with its lively rhythm and vibrant energy, brought the atmosphere to a climax. Amid thunderous applause, the entire audience rose to their feet for a grand chorus, vividly displaying the charm of cultural exchange?and mutual learning?and the vitality of the China-Türkiye friendship.During?the concert, President Tan Ata??and Ambassador Jiang Xuebin, among others, also presented honorary commemorative records to the three Chinese musicians and conductor Musa G??men.
Dance Drama "Crested Ibises" Kicks Off Japan Tour
On February?19, at the invitation of the Min-On Concert Association, the Dance Drama Crested Ibises?Exchange Group?from the Shanghai Dance Theatre (SDT), organized and dispatched by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), officially launched its Japan tour with the opening performance in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.The dance drama Crested Ibises??is a large-scale stage art production jointly planned, created, and produced by the CPAFFC, the SDT, and?other institutions. Through the story of the rebirth of the crested ibis, an endangered species, the drama profoundly illustrates the concept of harmony between humanity and nature. Since its debut, it has received widespread acclaim. In 2014, the CPAFFC collaborated with the Min-On?to introduce the drama to Japan for the first time, where it caused a sensation. To meet the eager anticipation of Japanese audiences, in 2015, the CPAFFC once again partnered with the Min-On?to organize a tour of Crested Ibises?in Japan. Over 65 days, the drama was performed 57 times, attracting over 100,000 spectators and sparking a Crested Ibises?craze across Japan.This marks the third collaboration between the CPAFFC and the Min-On to present Crested Ibises?in Japan. The SDT?has placed great emphasis on this tour, meticulously refining the main dance segments while retaining the essence of the original choreography. At the same time, the scenographic elements?were?redesigned and produced to further enhance the?theatrical presentation?of the?drama.On the day of the first performance, the theater was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. Nearly 2,000 members of the audience were immersed in a world of?exquisite art?created by skilled dancers,?melodious music and?a poignant story. As the performance concluded, the audience erupted into prolonged applause. With tears of emotion in their eyes, many spectators remarked that?the dance drama not only displayed exceptional artistic mastery but also conveyed humanity's aspiration for peace and the preservation of the common home.The Japan tour of Crested Ibises?will continue until April 22, with plans to stage 55 performances across 30 cities in 28 prefectures of Japan.
Vice President Jiang Jiang Meets with Heinrich B?ll Foundation President Imme Scholz
On February 18, 2025, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Imme Scholz, President of the?Heinrich B?ll Foundation, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the two organizations, deepening cultural?and youth exchanges between China and Germany, and enhancing mutual understanding.
Vice President Shen Xin Meets with CCFA President Guillermo Puyana
On January 24, Vice President Shen Xin of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)??met with Guillermo Puyana, President of the Colombia-China Friendship Association (CCFA).Vice President Shen Xin highly appreciated the efforts of the CCFA, which has, over the past 48 years, long been dedicated to enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and Colombian people and boosting mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries across various fields. He noted that?this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia.?Shen expressed that the?Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC) is eager to seize this opportunity to implement the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Colombian?President Gustavo Petro.?This includes expanding all-round?cooperation?with the CCFA and increasing exchanges?between the two countries in areas such as youth, business, local government, healthcare, education,?and sustainable development.?Additionally, the CPAFFC aims to empower the?the sustained and in-depth development of the China-Colombia strategic partnership through people-to-people friendship, delivering more tangible?benefits to both peoples.Guillermo Puyana?remarked?that all members of the?CCFA have remained?true to its founding mission,?maintaining?close cooperation with the?CPAFFC, and dedicating?themselves to the cause of Colombia-China friendship. The Semana Colombo China?(China Week in Colombia), hosted?by the CCFA, has had a?far-reaching impact?in Colombia?and played a positive role in helping the Colombian people to understand China and deepening practical cooperation between the two countries.?Going forward, the CCFA will continue to?adopt new approaches to its work and strive to nurture new generations?of individuals engaged in friendship with China, ensuring?that the friendship between China and Colombia flourishes and is?passed on through?generations.Deng Lan, Deputy Director-General?of the?CPAFFC Department of American and Oceanian Affairs, accompanied Shen Xin to the meeting.
Vice President Yuan Mindao Attends Nepal Tea-Tasting Festival
On January 16, Vice President Yuan Mindao?of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)?attended and delivered a speech at?the Nepal Tea-Tasting Festival?in Beijing, hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in China.In his speech, Yuan emphasized that for millennia, tea has served as a vital link in the commercial exchanges between China and Nepal, bearing witness to the enduring friendship, cultural?proximity,?and close bond between the two countries. He noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, as well as?the Nepal Visit Year 2025. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with the Embassy?of Nepal?in China and other Nepalese parties?to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of both countries,?put into action the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, and expand practical cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, and tourism sectors, to?elevate China-Nepal friendship?across the Himalayas?to new heights.The event was attended by approximately 200 people, including Nepalese Ambassador to China?Krishna Prasad Oli,?diplomatic envoys from Myanmar, Pakistan, and other countries?in China, as well as?friendly personages from all sectors of society in both countries.
CPAFFC Hosts Welcome Banquet for Delegation from Japan's Ruling Coalition
On January 15, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Japan Friendship Association?(CJFA) hosted a banquet in Beijing to welcome the delegation of Japan's ruling coalition?attending the 9th Meeting of China-Japan Ruling Parties Exchange Mechanism. The event was attended by Cheng Yonghua, Executive Vice President of the CJFA; Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Moriyama?Hiroshi, Secretary?General of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party; Nishida?Makoto, Secretary?General of Japan's?Komeito Party; Kanasugi?Kenji, Japanese Ambassador to China,?and key members of the Japanese delegation.In his speech, Cheng welcomed the?visit of the?delegation from Japan's ruling coalition?and conveyed greetings from CJFA President Tang Jiaxuan?and CPAFFC President?Yang Wanming. He mentioned?that?Chinese President Xi Jinping had?met with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba?Shigeru?in Lima last November, during which they reached important consensus on comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and working?toward building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.?This meeting has provided direction?for the future of?China-Japan relations.?Cheng?expressed confidence?that the delegation's visit would further deepen and substantiate?exchanges and cooperation between the two countries on all fronts, ensuring the steady and sustained?growth of bilateral relations.Moriyama?Hiroshi?thanked the CPAFFC for inviting him to visit China twice last year and for?the thoughtful and detailed arrangements made for his visit. He emphasized?that?Japan and China are important neighbors, and during this visit, both sides reached positive consensus on enhancing political mutual trust and deepening people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth. The Japanese side is committed to working with China?to abide by the principles established in the four political documents between the two countries, continuing to cement?the political foundation of?bilateral ties, vigorously conducting?exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and advancing the continuous improvement and development of Japan-China relations.Nishida?Makoto?stated?that strengthening people-to-people and youth exchanges between the two countries is crucial for the maintenance and development?of?Japan-China relations. He praised the CPAFFC for its long-standing active involvement in facilitating exchanges in relevant fields, including the annual exchange and mutual visit programs between young people from China and Japan. The CPAFFC?has also hosted cultural and artistic events, such as?the dance drama Crested Ibises?and the China National?Acrobatic Troupe's tour to Japan, which have been well received by the people of both countries. The Komeito Party, he noted, will?continue to advance?exchanges and cooperation?with the Chinese side across?all relevant areas, contributing positively?to the cause of friendship between the two countries.In his toast, Yuan Mindao congratulated the delegation on the success of their visit to China?and noted that China-Japan relations are currently in a critical period of improvement and development. He expressed his hope?that?the delegation's visit would inject new momentum into efforts to enhance political mutual trust, expand cultural exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue improving bilateral?relations. The CPAFFC and the?CJFA are committed to working with all circles in both?China and Japan to implement the important consensus reached by?the leaders of the two countries, build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, people-to-people exchanges,?and youth friendship, and promote greater understanding and amity between the two?peoples,?working together to launch a new wave of exchanges and cooperation in all areas.Cheng Haibo, Vice President?and Secretary General?of the?CJFA;?Zhu Dan, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of East Asian Affairs; and Du Dingding, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau II (Northeast Asian and Indochina Affairs)?at?the International Department of the Central Committee?of the Communist Party of China, also attended the event.
