China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Conference Held in Beijing
On May 29, the "Heart-to-Heart, Building Peace Together"?China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Conference, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Japan-China Friendship Association, was held at Renmin University of China.Guests attending the event included Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC; Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University of China; Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese Ambassador to China; Sasaki Masafumi, Executive Director of the Japan-China Friendship Association; Kato Chiyo, Executive Director of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association; and Yutaka Takakubo, Professor at the Faculty of Commerce, Nihon University. Nearly 600 participants, including youth representatives and media from both countries, participated in the event.President Yang Wanming emphasized that China and Japan are important neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water. Since the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru last November, bilateral exchanges and cooperation at various levels have progressed steadily, contributing to the continued improvement of China-Japan relations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The?remembrance of history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to ensure the bell of peace rings eternally. The foundation of friendship between China and Japan lies in the?peoples, and the future of the?friendship rests with the younger generation. It is hoped?that the young people from two countries?will become advocates of peace, pioneers of innovation, and builders of mutual understanding, jointly writing a new chapter in China-Japan relations.Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi noted that the development of Japan-China relations requires not only governmental efforts but also the broad participation and support of the people. Promoting exchanges between two peoples aligns with the important consensus reached by the two countries'?leaders. It is?hoped?that this exchange serve as a starting point for the young people to build lasting friendships, with a forward-looking vision to establish a new relationship that benefits two?peoples.Vice President Zheng Xinye extended a warm welcome to?the youth representatives and affirmed Renmin University's continued commitment to promoting broader, deeper, and higher-quality educational and cultural exchanges between China and Japan, leveraging?the role of education in fostering friendly cooperation, enhancing global well-being and contributing to a more just, harmonious, and prosperous world.The Japanese delegation noted?that youth are a vital driving force in shaping the future of Japan-China relations. It's highly important?to engage in?youth exchanges.?Japanese youth should?cherish the visit to China, deepen understanding of its history, society, and culture, and build lasting friendships with Chinese peers, thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries.During the event, nearly 300 young Japanese visitors interacted with Chinese youth from Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing Sport University, Beijing International Studies University, and Beijing Dance Academy. Activities included cultural exchanges and talent showcases, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. Participants from both countries expressed that the event enhanced mutual understanding and friendship, and they pledged to become ambassadors of peace and goodwill, contributing their youthful energy to Japan-China relations.The Japanese youth?delegation's visit to China was part of the implementation of the Memorandum on Enhancing Youth Exchange between the governments of China and Japan. During their stay, the delegation visited Beijing, Shanghai, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, and other regions for exchange activities.On the evening of May 29, Vice President Yuan Mindao of CPAFFC hosted a dinner reception in honor of the delegation.
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Awards the Honorary Title of "Friendship Ambassador" to Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakb
On May 29, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a "Friendship Ambassador"?awarding ceremony in Beijing, awarding the honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador"?upon Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan?and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.?President Yang Wanming presented the medal and certificate, and met with Anar Alakbarov?and his delegation prior to the ceremony.?Vice President Jiang Jiang presided over the ceremony.?Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov of Azerbaijan to China was?also?in attendance.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Anar Alakbarov on his?visit to China and praised him and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for their longstanding dedication to advancing China-Azerbaijan relations. He noted that the two countries share a deep-rooted traditional friendship.?In April 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to China, during which the two heads of state announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This has marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and provided a strategic blueprint for future cooperation. CPAFFC is committed to working with the foundation under the guidance of the leaders'?consensus to further promote people-to-people friendship and deliver tangible benefits to two?peoples.President Yang commended Anar Alakbarov?for highly valuing the cooperation with China, greatly supporting and personally promoting China-Azerbaijan friendship in his capacity as Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, making important contributions?to deepening the mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two peoples. The honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador" is a tribute to Anar Alakbarov's personal efforts and a recognition of the Foundation's sustained commitment to friendship with China.?The CPAFFC looks forward to more individuals stepping?forward as ambassadors of goodwill, bringing warmth and energy to the continued development of China-Azerbaijan relations. It is also believed that?the CPAFFC and the Foundation?will?jointly write a new and?more?vibrant chapter in people-to-people friendship between China and Azerbaijan.Anar Alakbarov?expressed Azerbaijan's high regard for the?relations with China and his appreciation for the notable achievements in bilateral cooperation in recent years. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation?takes the CPAFFC?as an important partner, and this collaboration has been formally included in the joint statement signed between the two heads of state not long ago.?The Foundation is committed to strengthening cooperation with CPAFFC in diverse areas including industry, subnational engagement, youth exchanges, and cultural and artistic collaboration, so as to serve the development of bilateral relations. He thanked CPAFFC for the "Friendship Ambassador"?title, describing it as both a personal honor and a symbol of recognition for the Foundation's contributions to China-Azerbaijan friendship. He pledged to continue working tirelessly to support and expand bilateral people-to-people exchanges.The honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador"?was established by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in 1990. It is awarded to international individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of friendship between China and other countries.
President Yang Wanming Holds Virtual Meeting with the Lincoln High School Girls Flag Football Team from the U.S. Washington State
On May 28, 2025, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a virtual meeting with the visiting girls?flag football team from Lincoln High School in Washington State, USA. CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin and other CPAFFC officials were?present at the meeting.President Yang extended a warm welcome to the team. He noted that sports serve as a powerful bridge for promoting people-to-people friendship. It is hoped?that?through this visit,?the delegation can?gain a deeper understanding of China, strengthen bonds with Chinese youngsters?through friendly matches and exchanges,?continue to write new stories of friendship between Lincoln High School and China, and jointly contribute?to the friendship?between Chinese?and American peoples.The American team members thanked the CPAFFC for the invitation?to China?and shared their excitement about meeting and interacting with their Chinese peers. They emphasized the value of mutual learning and friendship through youth exchange. During their stay, they're impressed by China's natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, which significantly deepened their knowledge of the country. They look forward to sharing their experiences with classmates upon returning home and becoming?youth ambassadors for China-U.S. friendship.
2025 China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Mayors Forum Successfully Held in Ningbo
On May 23, 2025, 2025 China-CEEC Mayors Forum was successfully convened in Ningbo, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the People's Government of Ningbo.?Themed "Promoting International Cooperation and Empowering Urban Development", this year's forum served as an important platform for fostering dialogue and strengthening partnerships between cities in China and Central and Eastern European countries. The opening ceremony was attended by: Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC; Tang Feifan, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee and Mayor of Ningbo; Jiang Yu, Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for China-CEEC Cooperation Affairs; Richard Ra?i, Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia; Meira Hot, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia; Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister of Romania; Janusz Piechociński, former Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, among others. The ceremony was moderated by Jiang Jiang, Vice President of CPAFFC.More than 200 distinguished guests attended?in the forum, including government leaders and representatives from over 40 cities across all 14 member countries of the China-CEEC Cooperation Mechanism, as well as officials, business leaders, and scholars from over 30 cities in 16 Chinese provinces.?Delegates engaged in in-depth exchanges on a wide range of topics, including?economic and trade cooperation,?cultural heritage preservation,?dialogue among civilizations,?urban governance, and?green transformation.?The forum fostered broad consensus on advancing urban-level cooperation and further supporting the overall development of China-CEEC relations.(President Yang delivers a speech at the opening?ceremony of the 2025 China-CEEC Mayors?Forum)In his address at the opening ceremony, President Yang emphasized the long-standing and profound friendship between China and CEE countries, many of which were among the first to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the New China.?Since the establishment of the China-CEEC Cooperation Mechanism in 2012, bilateral ties have made remarkable progress. Xi Jinping stressed that the cooperation between China and CEE countries adheres to the principles of extensive consultation and joint contribution, real results and balance, openness and inclusiveness, and an innovative and pioneering spirit, which is a vivid practice of multilateralism and an important part of China-EU relations.?City-to-city exchanges and cooperation constitute an essential part?of China-CEEC relations. The world is undergoing unprecedented changes, with economic globalization and anti-globalization forces in sharp contention, and multilateralism and unilateralism locked in a struggle. The global governance system is experiencing profound adjustments.?Against this backdrop, it is both timely and meaningful that subnational?leaders from China and CEE countries leverage the forum to send a clear and united message in support of multilateralism and international cooperation.?Looking ahead, it is hoped that cities from both sides will remain committed to the greater strategic picture, using local cooperation to lay a solid foundation for national relations;?mutual people-to-people bonds will continue to flourish, building trust and mutual respect through broad-based engagement;?both sides will deepen practical collaboration, jointly crafting a new blueprint for sustainable development;?and youth from both regions will join hands to build a strong and lasting bridge of friendship and cooperation for the future.(Top left: Tang Feifan, Mayor of Ningbo, delivers?a speech; Top right: Richard Ra?i, Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia, delivers?a speech; Bottom left: Viorica D?ncil?, Former Prime Minister of Romania, delivers?a speech; Bottom right: Janusz Piechociński, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, delivers?a speech.)Mayor Tang Feifan of Ningbo noted that,?in recent years, Ningbo has actively deepened friendly ties with CEE countries. Economic and trade cooperation has expanded steadily, transportation connectivity has grown stronger, and cultural exchanges have become increasingly dynamic. Ningbo?is committed to working closely with cities from CEE countries to build a model of mutually beneficial cross-regional cooperation, contributing further to a China-Europe relationship defined by shared success and global impact.Foreign guests remarked that,?China-CEEC?cooperation boasts?a solid foundation and holds broad prospects. Enhancing city-to-city collaboration is?beneficial for?people on all sides. Cities from CEE countries are willing to further?expand cooperation with China in areas such as trade, economy, investment, infrastructure, and culture, to jointly promote economic growth and sustainable development.(Signing Ceremony of China-CEEC Subnational Friendship Cooperation Projects)Following the opening ceremony, Chinese and foreign distinguished guests participated in two sub-forums, namely "Enhancing?Connectivity and Promoting Economic Cooperation?Between Cities," and "Inheriting Outstanding Cultural Heritage?and Promoting Cultural Exchanges and People-to-People Connectivity." City representatives shared experiences, best practices, and future cooperation visions. The forum concluded with the adoption of the China-CEEC City Cooperation?Initiative, which calls on cities from China and CEE countries to further deepen collaboration with a more open mindset and pragmatic actions, jointly creating a brighter future for sustainable urban development.?A signing ceremony for China-CEEC subnational friendship cooperation projects was also held, formalizing a series of new partnerships at the city and provincial levels.During their stay in Ningbo, guests from CEE countries took part in a series of major economic and cultural exchange events, including:?The 4th?China–Central and Eastern European Countries Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair, Slovakia and Slovenia, serving as guest countries of honor; The "Hi-Buy Central and Eastern Europe"?import promotion campaign; the China-CEEC Investment Cooperation Matchmaking Conference; the Ningbo meeting of the China-CEECE Business Council; the 9th China (Ningbo)-CEEC Education Cooperation Exchange?Conference; A Taste of Zhejiang and CEEC-Culinary Culture Exchange; and the 2025 China-CEE International Regatta. These activities highlighted the diverse dimensions of China-CEEC?engagement, from education and gastronomy to green industry and consumer markets.The China-CEEC Mayors Forum was launched in 2017 by the CPAFFC and the People's Government of Ningbo. Having been successfully held six times, the forum has become a key platform for fostering mutual understanding, enhancing people-to-people friendship, and promoting practical, mutually beneficial cooperation at the subnational ?level between China and Central and Eastern European countries.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Key Foreign Guests Attending the 2025 China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Mayors Forum
On May 23, in Ningbo, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),?held separate meetings with key foreign guests attending the 2025 China-CEEC Mayors Forum, including Richard Ra?i, Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia; Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister of Romania; and Janusz Piechociński, former Deputy Prime Minister of Poland.(Meet with Richard Ra?i, Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia)President Yang extended a warm welcome to the guests from Central and Eastern European (CEE)?countries and expressed his appreciation for their long-standing commitment to developing relations with China and continuous support for strengthening subnational?cooperation?with China.?China and the CEE countries enjoy a long tradition of friendly relations. Since the launch of the China-CEEC Cooperation Mechanism in 2012, bilateral cooperation has been built on a solid foundation and continues to show broad potential for growth. China-CEEC partnership is an important part of China-EU relations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, a milestone that reflects the growing frequency of dialogue and expanding shared interests. Over the past five decades, the scale and depth of cooperation between China and the EU have grown significantly. China and the EU have no?face fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions, and the common interests far outweigh their differences. The proper positioning of China-EU relations should be as partners, with cooperation as the prevailing theme, autonomy as a shared value, and win-win development as the future direction.(Meet with Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister of Romania)President Yang stated that the CPAFFC is ready to work hand in hand with friendly organizations in CEE countries to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, further strengthening the public foundation of bilateral ties, and?contributing?to the development of state-to-state relations. The CPAFFC will also?promote?the subnaitonal?exchanges and cooperation between China and CEE countries?by?establishing bilateral subnational cooperation mechanisms with countries such as Slovakia, Romania, and Poland, with a view to making new contributions to fostering friendship between the peoples and advancing shared development goals.(Meet with Janusz Piechociński, former Deputy Prime Minister of Poland)Foreign guests congratulated China on the successful hosting of the 2025 China-CEEC Mayors Forum, and affirmed that subnational?cooperation is an integral part of China-CEEC cooperation, laying the groundwork for broader diplomatic progress. They are willing to?further deepen pragmatic cooperation at the subnational level in partnership with CPAFFC, to help improve people's livelihoods.?It is hoped that all parties fully leverage the Mayors Forum as a key platform for city-to-city dialogue and cooperation, thus driving forward the practical development of China-CEEC relations.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Zhang Shengjun, Deputy Director-General of the General Office?of the CPAFFC, were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Delivers Video Address at the Fifth Anniversary Memorial of the Passing of Former Chairman of the San Marino-China Friendship Association Mr. Terenzi
On May 20, 2025, a memorial was held in San Marino to mark the fifth anniversary of the passing of Mr. Terenzi, former Chairman of the San Marino-China Friendship Association. At the invitation of the organizers, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) delivered a video address to the event.?In his remarks, President Yang paid high tribute to Mr. Terenzi's lifelong dedication to promoting China-San Marino friendship, expressed his deep respect and heartfelt remembrance, and reaffirmed CPAFFC's commitment to working hand in hand with the San Marino-China Friendship Association to further advance exchanges, friendship, and practical cooperation between the two countries.President Yang praised Mr. Terenzi for his unwavering belief that "the size of a country or differences in political systems should never stand in the way of friendship between peoples."?As the founder of the San Marino-China Friendship Association, Mr. Terenzi visited China more than 60 times, exemplifying?the spirit of "friendship knows no borders"?with concrete efforts, and leaving behind precious spiritual wealth for future generations.President Yang further remarked that,?the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. In this context, China and San Marino, as exemplary partners in harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation, should work together to confront challenges and jointly create a brighter future. Under the leadership of Ms.?Terenzi, the current President of the San Marino-China Friendship Association, a vibrant new chapter in people-to-people friendship between the two countries must will be written.The memorial was attended by approximately 300 attendees, including the Captains Regent of San Marino, senior government secretaries, and representatives from various sectors of society. Participants collectively reflected on Mr. Terenzi's moving experience?contributing to the development of China-San Marino friendship, and expressed a shared commitment to carrying forward his legacy and ensuring the enduring vitality of this friendship for generations to come.Mr. Terenzi, former Captain Regent of San Marino and Founding Chairman of the San Marino-China Friendship Association, devoted his life to advancing friendship between the two countries. He founded the association in 1988 and served as its chairman for years. He was awarded the honorary title of "Friendship Ambassador"?by the CPAFFC.
The Third New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum & Festival Successfully Held in Chengdu
On May 21, 2025, the 3rd New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum & Festival?was successfully held in Chengdu. Co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Global Cities New Zealand, and organized by the Chengdu Municipal People's Government, this year's forum was themed "Mapping out a New Decade of Sister Cities Relationships." Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC; Wang Fengchao, Deputy Secretary of the Chengdu Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Chengdu; Qian Bo, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Pacific Island Affairs; Grant Smith, President of the Global Cities New Zealand and Mayor of Palmerston North; and Michael Zhang, Consul General of New Zealand in Guangzhou?attended and addressed the opening ceremony. Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong delivered a video address.Government leaders and representatives from ten?New Zealand cities, including Palmerston North, Hamilton, Marlborough, Rotorua, Tauranga, Auckland, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch, and Napier, attended?the forum?alongside?government officials and relevant institution representatives?from twelve Chinese cities across the municipalities, provinces, and autonomous regions of Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Guangdong, Sichuan, and Guizhou.President Yang noted that,?the establishment of the New Zealand-China mayoral exchange and cooperation mechanism, under the personal guidance and witness of President Xi Jinping, has become a key platform for fostering exchanges and cooperation between local governments, particularly between sister cities in both countries.?This year marks the 10th anniversary of the inaugural New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum. Ten years on, the original commitment remains firm. As we embark on the second decade of this forum, we are full of confidence and expectations for future cooperation. It is hoped that both sides carry forward the spirit of "striving for excellence", to accelerate collaboration in a wide range of fields, especially among sister cities, and to pioneer new initiatives in local-level cooperation. The CPAFFC is ready to work hand in hand with partners across New Zealand to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and New Zealand peoples, to strengthen pragmatic cooperation, and to contribute to the steady and healthy development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.Ambassador Wang Xiaolong said?that,?the New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum plays a vital and unique role in strengthening the people-to-people foundation of bilateral relations, and constitutes an integral part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. It is?hoped?that sister city cooperation continue to grow, enabling both sides to leverage complementary strengths and jointly write a new chapter in friendly collaboration.Mayor Wang Fengchao noted that,?in recent years, Chengdu has actively leveraged the mayoral exchange and cooperation mechanism to deepen ties with cities across New Zealand. These efforts have led to tangible outcomes in fields such as trade and investment, education, science and technology, culture, and sports. It is?hoped?that the forum would serve as a catalyst to further enhance practical cooperation, strengthen economic and trade exchanges, and open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial urban development.Special Envoy Qian Bo remarked that the vitality of China-New Zealand relations stems from subnational engagement, and in turn, the friendly bilateral cooperation benefits?cities of both sides. Frequent exchanges and extensive collaboration between sister provinces and cities have played a significant role in deepening mutual understanding and friendship, while promoting substantive cooperation across a wide range of areas.Mayor Grant Smith and Consul General Michael Zhang expressed New Zealand's strong appreciation for its longstanding friendship with China and commended the Chinese side for the thoughtful and well-organized preparations for this year's forum. A?decade of sustained exchanges and fruitful results has?fully demonstrated the New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum's role as a vital platform for enhancing mutual understanding and achieving shared development. The New Zealand side is committed to?expanding friendly exchanges, promoting practical cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people ties under this mechanism.Following the opening ceremony, delegates from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions around three thematic forums:?Sister Cities open doors for cooperation; Sister Cities enhance mutual?understanding;?and Sister Cities are about the people. Participants shared compelling case studies of sister city exchanges, highlighted the strengths of their respective cities, and explored broad prospects for future cooperation.?The forum concluded with the release of the Chengdu Declaration, which reaffirmed the importance of strengthening people-to-people bonds through sister city relationships, advancing trade and investment collaboration, and injecting renewed vitality into the development of China-New Zealand relations. It was also agreed that the 4th New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum would be held in New Zealand in 2027. Several tangible outcomes were achieved during the forum: A memorandum of understanding on friendly cooperation was signed between the CPAFFC and Global Cities New Zealand. Chengdu and Hamilton exchanged commemorative gifts marking the 10th anniversary of their sister city relationship. A Letter of Intent for Cooperation was signed between Qingdao and Dunedin, facilitating future exchanges between elementary schools in the two cities.Ahead of the forum, foreign guests?participated in a range of cultural and experiential activities:?At the Cultural Park, they experienced the making of traditional Sichuan Opera masks, gaining insight into the unique charm of Chinese culture.?At the Tianfu New Area First Recycled Water Plant, they explored innovative practices in urban governance and green development.?At Chengdu-Hamilton Luhu Primary School, they witnessed the concrete results of sister city educational cooperation.?The New Zealand representatives expressed admiration for Chengdu's innovations in urban governance and were deeply encouraged by the growing achievements in educational collaboration.?On the day of the forum, a New Zealand-China Specialty Products Exhibition was also held, showcasing innovative technologies, including AI applications, alongside promotional booths on education and tourism. These exhibits drew strong interest from participants on both sides.?To conclude the day's events, New Zealand's Te Matatini Dance Troupe delivered a captivating performance of Māori songs and dances, delighting both forum guests and the local Chengdu community.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus
On May 19, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Max Baucus, former U.S. Ambassador to China and former U.S. Senator, at the CPAFFC. CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin also attended the meeting.President Yang extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Baucus and the student delegation from the Max Baucus Institute in Montana, commending Ambassador Baucus for his long-standing efforts to promote the development of China-U.S. relations and facilitate youth exchanges between the two countries.?He noted that the stable, sound, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and reflects the broad expectations of the international community. China's policy toward the U.S. remains stable and consistent. China adheres to the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping—mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation—in handling China-U.S. relations. China stands ready to work with the U.S. on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity, to address each other's concerns through dialogue and consultation, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and move bilateral ties forward.President Yang emphasized that in the current context, China and the U.S should further strengthen people-to-people ties?and?enhance?communication and engagement among the younger generation, in a way to deepen mutual understanding, broaden consensus on cooperation, and contribute?jointly to the long-term friendship between the two peoples. Such efforts would help bring greater stability and positive momentum to the future development of China-U.S. relations.Ambassador Baucus emphasized the critical importance of U.S.-China relations, acknowledging that the bilateral relationship is currently facing significant challenges, hence the?need to build more bridges to facilitate dialogue, exchange, and cooperation between the two countries.?The Max Baucus Institute?will?actively participate in?the initiative of "inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years"?and organize more exchange visits for American students to China, to?foster greater mutual understanding and lasting friendship among the younger generations of two countries.The two sides also exchanged views on China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to Armenia and Georgia
From May 11 to 16, at the invitation of the Armenian-Chinese?Friendship Association and the Georgia-China Friendship Association, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Armenia and Georgia.?During his?visit, President Yang held meetings with Mnatsakan?Safaryan, Deputy Foreign?Minister of the Republic of Armenia,?and Avakyan, Chairman of the Armenian-Chinese?Friendship Association, and?attended the celebration marking the 37th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian-Chinese?Friendship Association.?In Georgia, President Yang met with Levan Davitashvili, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; Irakli Mezurnishvili, First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Honorary Chairman of the Georgia-China Subnational Cooperation Association; Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Chairman of Ajaria; Elisso Bolkvadze, Minister of Culture of Ajaria; Levan Zalkaliani, Governor of the Imereti Region; and Ivane Chkhartishvili, Chairman of the Georgia-China Friendship Association.?President Yang signed a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia-China Subnational Cooperation Association on behalf of the CPAFFC.During his visit to Armenia, President Yang noted that both China and Armenia are ancient civilizations with rich cultural heritages, and that the traditional friendship between the two countries?runs deep. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, political mutual trust has grown stronger, pragmatic cooperation across various sectors has made steady progress, and cultural exchanges have become increasingly vibrant.?The CPAFFC stands ready to work closely with all sectors in Armenia to further promote friendship between the?two?peoples,?enhance?cooperation in fields such as education, culture, tourism, subnational exchanges, and youth engagement, to inject fresh momentum into the growth of bilateral ties.(Meet with Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and attend the 37th anniversary celebration of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship Association with Avakyan, Chairman of the Armenian-Chinese Friendship Association)The Armenian side expressed its deep appreciation for the longstanding friendship with China, emphasizing that strengthening relations with China remains a key priority in Armenia's foreign policy. As one of the earliest countries to respond to and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Armenia is committed to expanding practical cooperation and elevating bilateral relations to new levels.?Representatives from various sectors in Armenia looks forward to?partnering with the CPAFFC to create more platforms for exchange and collaboration,?fostering deeper mutual understanding and people-to-people bonds, and?bringing?renewed vitality to the time-honored friendship between the two countries.(Meet with Levan Davitashvili, First Deputy Premier and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia)During his visit to Georgia, President Yang emphasized that China and Georgia are long-standing partners in friendly cooperation, and that over the past 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed in a sound and stable way.?In 2023, President Xi Jinping and then Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili jointly announced the elevation of China-Georgia relations to a strategic partnership.Under the strategic leadership of the two?leaders, political mutual trust has reached new heights, and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has yielded tangible outcomes.?Enhancing exchanges between local governments and people-to-people organizations is a vital part of the strategic partnership. The agreements on visa exemption, direct flights, free trade, and the joint development of the China-Europe Railway Express via the Caspian International Transport Corridor have all provided a solid foundation for deeper people-to-people exchanges and subnational cooperation between the two countries.?The?CPAFFC is committed to working hand in hand with Georgian partners, including the Georgia-China Friendship Association and the Georgia-China Subnational Cooperation Association, to actively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. The CPAFFC will work to advance practical cooperation at the local level and tap into the full potential of collaboration in areas such as education, culture, science and technology, sports, and youth engagement, contributing to the continued growth of China-Georgia relations and bringing greater benefits to the two?peoples.(Meet with Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Chairman of Ajaria; Levan Zalkaliani, Governor of Imereti Region; and Ivane Chkhartishvili, Chairman of the Georgia-China Friendship Association)The Georgian side expressed its deep appreciation for the traditional friendship with China and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation?China. The elevation of China-Georgia relations to a strategic partnership has delivered concrete benefits to the two peoples. The Georgian side also commended the important role played by the CPAFFC in advancing practical cooperation. It?stands ready?to work jointly to further deepen and solidify subnational collaboration between the two countries.Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei and Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian participated in relevant events during the visit.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to Russia
From May 8 to 10, at the invitation of the Russia-China Friendship Association?(RCFA), Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),?led a delegation to visit Moscow and Volgograd, Russia, to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the?Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. During the visit, Yang Wanming met with Ivan Melnikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma?and Chairman of the RCFA; Galina Kulikova, First Deputy Chairperson?of the?RCFA and Recipient of China's Friendship Medal; Sergey Gavrilov, Deputy Chairman?of the RCFA, Member of the State Duma of Russia, and Chairman of the Russia-China MP Friendship Group of the Russian National Duma; Kirill Babaev, Deputy Chairman of the RCFA and Director of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Anna Pisemskaya, Deputy Governor of the Volgograd region; Alexander?Korotkov, Chairman of the RCFA Volgograd Branch?and Rector of Volgograd State Socio-Pedagogical University?(VSSPU); and Yury?Starovatykh, former Mayor of Volgograd?and Chair of the Volgograd Branch of the Russian Peace Foundation. He also attended the?friendship pine tree?planting event with?activists of the RCFA and university students from both countries.(Attending the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the?Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War)(Meeting with Ivan Melnikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma?and Chairman of the RCFA)During the meetings, Yang Wanming stated that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the depth, breadth, and resilience of China-Russia relations have continued to grow.?The two countries have?found a new path of state-to-state interactions between neighboring major countries, which features permanent good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.This is the 11th visit to Russia by President Xi Jinping since becoming president. The two countries signed the?Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the Founding of the United Nations, which charts?the course for the future development of China-Russia relations. Yang Wanming noted that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union were respectively the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during the World War II. The Chinese and Russian peoples fought shoulder to shoulder with a common hatred of the enemy, forging a profound friendship with their blood and lives, which has become an inexhaustible source of China-Russia friendship for generations to come.Currently, the rise of unilateralism and hegemonic and bullying practices?in the international community is seriously impacting the world order. The independent, mature and resilient China-Russia?relationship?not only brings great benefits to the two peoples but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability, upholding international fairness and justice,?guiding the world to safeguard the post-war international order, promoting a multipolar world, and facilitating the restructuring of the international political landscape.(Meeting with Anna Pisemskaya, Deputy Governor of the Volgograd region)Yang Wanming emphasized that people-to-people friendship has laid a solid foundation of public?support?for China-Russia relations and has always been an important pillar driving the forward development of bilateral relations. Subnational?cooperation is an important component of China-Russia relations. Local governments of the two countries have actively engaged in dialogue and exchanges within the framework of multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and have made solid progress in advancing pragmatic cooperation. The CPAFFC is willing to work closely with all sectors in Russia to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and friendship, fully tap the potential of subnational cooperation, and add new luster to the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. In his remarks at the friendship pine tree?planting event with?activists of the RCFA and university students from China and Russia held at VSSPU, Yang Wanming expressed his hopes for the youth of both countries to?carry forward the spirit of the generations-long?China-Russia friendship, nourish the tree of China-Russia friendship with the power of youth,?and let the traditional friendship between the two countries?be?passed down from generation to generation.?(Laying wreaths at the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Military Glory on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd and at the?grave?of Soviet Marshal Vasily Chuikov, and planting friendship pines with?Anna Pisemskaya, Deputy Governor of the Volgograd region, activists of the RCFA, and university students from China and Russia at VSSPU)The Russian side stated that on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of?the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin and his attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War?are of great and lofty historical significance. The?visit once again demonstrated?the unprecedentedly high level of mutual trust, mutual understanding, and mutual support in today's Russia-China?relations.?They?believed that this visit would inject new impetus into the development of the Russia-China?comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and give a strong boost to the international order that is more just and equitable.?People-to-people friendship is the driving force behind the development of Russia-China relations. The RCFA and its local branches are willing to maintain close exchanges with the CPAFFC, work together to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, and pool their strengths to deepen Russia-China?relations.During the visit, the delegation also laid wreaths at the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Military Glory on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd and at the?grave?of Soviet Marshal Vasily Chuikov to commemorate the martyrs and heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Stalingrad.