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.
