President Yang Wanming Meets with Heads of Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung and Transform! Europe
On May 7, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with the?delegation led by Heinz Johannes Bierbaum, Chair of the Executive Board of the Rosa Luxemburg?Stiftung, and?Cornelia Hildebrandt, President of the foundation Transform! Europe, at the CPAFFC.Yang Wanming stated that China attaches great importance to its relations with Germany. On May 6, President Xi Jinping pointed out in a congratulatory message to Friedrich Merz on his election as German Chancellor that as?the world's second- and third-largest economies and two major countries with global influence, China and Germany should follow the trend of history, uphold fairness and justice, deepen exchanges and mutual learning, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, work together to weather storms and tempests, enhance the wellbeing of the two?peoples, and jointly promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.?Additionally, Yang noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). Yesterday, President Xi Jinping, in his congratulatory messages?to?President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, pointed out that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, as well as two major forces for building a multipolar world, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations championing diversity.?Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have maintained close exchanges at all levels?and across various?fields, yielding fruitful outcomes in dialogue and cooperation. People-to-people and cultural exchanges have flourished, and multilateral coordination has delivered solid results.?China-EU relations have grown into one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world, making important contributions to enhancing the wellbeing of the people of China and Europe and?promoting peace and development in?the world.Yang Wanming spoke positively of the roles played by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung and the Transform! Europe?in advancing the sound and steady growth of China-Germany and China-EU relations. He expressed the CPAFFC's willingness to work with the two institutions, guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders, to expand exchanges and dialogues, deepen pragmatic cooperation, build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical?cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship between China and Germany, as well as between China and the EU, and contribute to the sustained advancement of China-Germany and China-EU relations.Heinz Johannes Bierbaum?and Cornelia Hildebrandt?highly praised China's remarkable achievements in economic and social development, emphasizing the importance of Germany-China and EU-China cooperation. They appreciated the positive contributions the CPAFFC has made to?promoting people-to-people friendship and mutual understanding between China and Germany, as well as between China and the EU. They expressed the willingness to work closely with the CPAFFC, actively build communication platforms, and present a true China to all?sectors of society in Germany and Europe?in an objective way. Furthermore, they will facilitate?exchanges and interactions across all sectors?between Germany?and China, as well as between Europe?and China, increase mutual understanding on the basis of mutual respect?to get mutual perceptions right, and make unremitting efforts to ensure that?China-Germany and China-EU relations?develop in the right direction.Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Delegation of Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union
On April 28, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),?met with the?delegation from the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union (JCFPU) headed?by its Chairman?and Secretary-General of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party?Moriyama?Hiroshi, at the CPAFFC.Yang Wanming extended a warm welcome to?Moriyama?Hiroshi and the JCFPU delegation, which consisted of 14 cross-party parliamentarians from Japan's National Diet. He commended the JCFPU for its active commitment to improving and developing bilateral relations, noting that China-Japan relations are currently at a crucial juncture of improvement and development. In November last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister?Ishiba?Shigeru in Lima, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan?and building?a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. Under the political guidance of the leaders of the two countries, positive interactions have taken place, adding new dimensions?to the strategic and mutually beneficial relations?in politics, economy, culture and other fields.?Yang expressed the hope that both sides would abide by the principles established in the four political documents between the two countries?and safeguard the hard-won momentum of improvement and development in bilateral relations?in the spirit of taking?history as a mirror and letting?it guide the future.Yang Wanming stated that the CPAFFC stands ready to work with the JCFPU to follow through on?the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further strengthen exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation, expand dialogues, enhance mutual understanding,?cement public support, and move forward the strategic and mutually beneficial China-Japan relations?in the right direction.Moriyama?Hiroshi spoke highly of the positive contributions made by the CPAFFC to furthering Japan-China friendship. He noted that the leaders of the two countries have reaffirmed the general direction of comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relations. The JCFPU will leverage its own strength to deepen political mutual trust between the two sides,?facilitate subnational exchanges,?and strengthen personnel exchanges. In particular, it will work to encourage visits to China by young Japanese parliamentarians and female parliamentarians, contributing its share to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.Cheng Yonghua, Executive Vice President of the China-Japan Friendship Association, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Kanasugi Kenji, Japanese Ambassador to China?also attended the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to the US
From April 20 to 25, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to visit Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Des Moines, Iowa in the United States?(US). He attended the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of President Xi Jinping's Historic 1985 Visit to Iowa, hosted by the?Iowa Sister State Friendship Committee?in Des Moines.President Yang Wanming and Zhao Xinhai, Vice Governor of Hebei Province, delivered speeches at the commemorative event, respectively. Wang Baodong, Chinese Consul General in Chicago; Li Xiang, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the US; representatives from the governments of Shijiazhuang City and Zhengding County; Terry Edward Branstad, Founder of the US-China Green Institute and former US Ambassador to China; Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President Emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation; Grant Kimberley, Chairman of the Iowa Sister State Friendship Committee; and Sherill Whisenand, Chair of the Greater Des Moines Sister Cities Commission, among over 150 Chinese and American personalities from various sectors, attended the event.(Attending the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of President Xi Jinping's Historic 1985 Visit to Iowa)In his speech, President Yang Wanming stated that 40 years ago, President Xi Jinping led a delegation to visit Iowa for the first time, sowing the seeds of friendship. Over the past four decades, under President Xi Jinping's long-standing personal care and support, subnational?and people-to-people exchanges between China and the US, represented by Hebei and Iowa, have yielded fruitful outcomes. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that the hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels.?We should follow the friendly path pioneered by President Xi Jinping, continuously write new stories of mutual understanding between the two peoples, explore new dimensions of pragmatic cooperation, and compose a new chapter in the cause of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.Zhao Xinhai noted that the friendly relationship between Hebei and Iowa has developed under the meticulous care of President Xi Jinping. Over the past 40 years, their friendly?and pragmatic exchanges have steadily?deepened, and the profound friendship between the peoples of the two places has stood the test of time, becoming a model of pragmatic cooperation?at the subnational?level?between?China and the US. Hebei will continue to strengthen friendly exchanges with Iowa, boost?mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly write a new chapter of friendly exchanges between the peoples of the two countries and the two places in the new era.Friendly personages from Iowa, such as Luca Berrone, Sarah Lande, Terry Edward Branstad, and Kenneth Quinn, fondly recalled the heartwarming scenes of President Xi Jinping's visits to Iowa in 1985 and 2012 during the commemorative event. Youth representatives from Hebei and Iowa shared their unforgettable experiences of mutual exchanges and visits. They unanimously expressed that the high attention and valuable support of President Xi Jinping for the cause of enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples are touching and admirable. They look forward to taking this commemorative event as an opportunity to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as sister cities, youth, and?culture, and work together to?create wonderful new stories of friendly exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.During the event, youth representatives from Hebei and Iowa jointly presented a cultural performance. The event also featured diverse supporting activities, including a youth exchange photo exhibition and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere on-site. Prior to the event, Yang met with President Xi Jinping's old friends in Iowa and friendly personages from?all?sectors?of society. After the event, the?Iowa Sister State Friendship Committee hosted a welcome banquet, attended by nearly 200 representatives from all?sectors.During his visit, President Yang also separately met with Frank Cownie, Mayor of Des Moines; Mike Matson, Mayor of Davenport; Blaine Griffin, President?of the Cleveland City Council; Theresa Kail-Smith, Member of the Pittsburgh City Council; Chuck Keiper, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council; Paul Hogle, President?of the Cleveland Institute of Music; William Griswold,?Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art; Clarissa von Spee, James and Donna Reid Curator of Chinese Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art; Anthony Yen, former Executive Director of the Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce?and Su He, current Executive Director; Giuseppe Abrate, Worldwide Group President at Kemin Industries; Rick Kimberley, an Iowa farmer,?along with the person in charge of the University of Pittsburgh's Chinese Tradition?Scholarship Foundation and representatives?from the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center.?He also attended the signing ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship between Shijiazhuang City and Des Moines.(Top: Meeting with Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines and attending the signing ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship between Shijiazhuang City and Des Moines; Bottom: Meeting with Mayor Mike Matson?of Davenport)(Top: Meeting with Blaine Griffin, President?of the Cleveland City Council; Bottom: Meeting with Theresa Kail-Smith, Member of the Pittsburgh City Council)During the?meetings, President Yang Wanming stated that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to China-US subnational?cooperation and cultural?exchanges. Over the past 70-plus years since its establishment, the CPAFFC?has established multi-level exchange mechanisms between Chinese and US provinces, states, and cities, and organized a wide range?of exchange activities with rich contents, playing a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries and promoting subnational?exchanges and cooperation. The more difficulties China-US relations face, the more we need to tighten the bonds between the peoples and enhance communication between hearts. The CPAFFC is willing to further strengthen people-to-people friendship with all sectors in the US, enhance subnational cooperation and youth exchanges, increase mutual understanding, expand consensus on cooperation, and promote the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-US relations.(Top: Meeting with the Kimberley Farm family; Bottom left: Meeting with President?Paul Hogle of the Cleveland Institute of Music; Bottom right: Meeting with Director William Griswold of the Cleveland Museum of Art and James and Donna Reid Curator of Chinese Art?Clarissa von Spee)US local government and council representatives expressed their willingness to support and continue participating in cooperation mechanisms such as China-US sister cities, deepen practical cooperation between sister cities of the two sides, and enhance the well-being of their peoples. Business community figures stated that trade wars and tariff wars are unsustainable and can lead nowhere, emphasizing that the United States and China should be partners, not competitors.?As China's development brings opportunities to the world, they are willing to continue expanding investment in China. Representatives from foundations, universities, and cultural and art institutions expressed their readiness?to continue advancing?youth exchanges between the two countries, join?the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs, and constantly increase mutual understanding and friendship between the young generations of the two countries, thereby making active contributions to the improvement and development of China-US relations.
President Yang Wanming Attends Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting in Viet Nam
On the morning of April 15, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President Xi Jinping, together with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) To Lam and President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong, met with representatives attending the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting at the Hanoi International Convention Center.?After the event, President Xi, General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong jointly launched the "red study tours"?program.(Launching ceremony of "red study tours"?program)Yang Wanming, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the launching ceremony of the "red study tours"?program, and took an interview?with the China Central Television (CCTV).(President Yang Wanming delivers a speech)Yang Wanming extended?his?sincere thanks to the top leaders of the two parties and two countries for taking the time to attend the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting. He said that yesterday, General Secretary and President?Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong?and reached new important consensus. Together, they have drawn?up a new blueprint for the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future in the new era. The meeting has also provided fundamental guidance and direction for?deepening the people-to-people friendship between China and Viet Nam. Yang expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to work with all sectors of China and Viet Nam to implement the new important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries at the people-to-people?level, adhere to the 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,"?stay true to the original aspiration of China-Viet Nam friendship, and keep in mind the common mission. Centering on the six overarching goals?of?"greater political mutual trust, more solid security cooperation, deeper mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger popular support, closer multilateral coordination,?and better handling of differences, the CPAFFC will give full play to?its role as the main channel of people-to-people diplomacy, forge broader social consensus, and help accelerate the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.Yang Wanming emphasized the need to leverage the fundamental role of people-to-people diplomacy, to promote the profound traditional friendship?between Viet?Nam and China?as comrades and brothers,?and to be the guardians of common ideals. He stressed the importance of expanding channels for sister-city exchanges to further deepen and solidify subnational cooperation, and to be the practitioners of pragmatic cooperation. He also highlighted the necessity of holding diverse people-to-people friendship?activities that are heartwarming, reach the communities and resonate with the public to make?the people-to-people bond more broad-based and to be active participants in cultural exchanges. Additionally, Yang underscored the significance of implementing the program for Vietnamese youth to visit China on "red study tours."?It?aims to guide the younger generations of both countries to inherit and promote the fine traditions of the older generation, to sustain the revolutionary legacy, and to enhance the friendly ties between the youth of the two countries, thus ensuring that they become the inheritors of China-Viet?Nam friendship.(Photo with Phan Anh Son)During his visit to Vietnam, Yang Wanming held a working meeting with Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views and reached positive consensus on implementing the new important consensus?and the guiding principles of important instructions of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, pooling strength to ensure the success of "red study tours"?for Vietnamese youth, breaking new ground in hosting friendly activities such as the China-Viet Nam People's Forum?and the China and Viet?Nam Border Inhabitants Gala, and continuously deepening the people-to-people friendship between the two countries.
President Yang Wanming Leads Delegation to Laos
From April 9 to 12, at the invitation of the Laos-China Friendship Association (LCFA), Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to Laos. During the meeting, President Yang met with Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Member?of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP)?and President of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC), and Anouphab Tounalom, Secretary of the LPRP?Central Committee, Secretary of the LPRP?Vientiane Municipal Committee and?President of the Vientiane People's Council. President Yang?reminisced with old friends of the Chinese people—Sommad Pholsena, Member of the LPRP?Central Committee and Vice Chairman?of the Lao National Assembly; Khemmani Pholsena, Minister of the Lao Presidential Office; Sommano Pholsena; and other representatives of the Pholsena?family. He also held working talks with Phet Phomphiphak, Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and President of the Laos-China Friendship Association (LCFA); Sinava Souphanouvong, Minister to?the Lao?Prime Minister's Office; Saysana Sitthiphone, Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment; Bounthueng Douangsavanh, Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce; Kikeo Chanthaboury, Vice President of the Lao Academy of Economic and Social Sciences; Songpeo Maupaseut,?former Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism; and other leaders of the LCFA. Together with Siriphone Souphanthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang, Yang attended and addressed the China-Laos Seminar on Poverty Alleviation and Common Development, jointly organized by the CPAFFC, the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Luang Prabang, the LCFA, and the Luang Prabang Provincial Government. Extensively engaging with friendly personages from various sectors in Laos, President Yang?conveyed the guiding principles of China's Central Conference on Work?Related to Neighboring Countries and shared the Chinese theory on fighting poverty?as well as the country's experience in poverty eradication. In-depth exchanges were held with all parties on China-Laos relations, people-to-people friendship, practical cooperation and youth exchanges, yielding positive consensus.During the meeting, Yang Wanming said that as socialist comrades and brothers, China and Laos enjoy a friendship that becomes increasingly solid with the passage of time.?In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, the all-round cooperation between the two sides has achieved fruitful outcomes, and the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future has been deepened and consolidated. All these efforts have brought tangible benefits to the people of the two countries and set?a vivid example for building a community with a shared future for mankind. In October last year, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China?(CPC)?Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping?met with General Secretary of the LPRP?Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, charting the course and providing fundamental guidance for deepening the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. A few days ago, the Central Conference on Work?Related to Neighboring Countries?was successfully held in China. It once again made it clear that China will continue to uphold the principle?of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy,?carry out friendly cooperation with neighboring countries, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and achieve common development and rejuvenation.Yang Wanming noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the LPRP and the 50th anniversary of the founding of Laos, and next year will usher in the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos. At present, the two sides are actively implementing the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and the new version of the action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future, and working toward more outcomes?in cooperation in such areas as connectivity, economy, trade and investment, and cultural?exchanges. The CPAFFC is willing to work closely with the LCFA and other friendly organizations and all sectors in the two countries to give play to the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy, enrich the China-Laos people-to-people friendship, build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship, and further deepen and substantiate the building?of the China-Laos community with a shared future.(Meeting with Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune)Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune?spoke highly of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), thanked the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people for their support and assistance to Laos, and highly appreciated the positive role played by the CPAFFC in deepening Laos-China friendship and advancing bilateral relations. He said that Laos and China have achieved fruitful results in the fields of economy, trade and investment, connectivity, cultural?exchanges and subnational cooperation, benefiting both Laos and its people. He believed that the Laos-China relations are at their best in history. Laos will never waver in upholding?socialism?and will deepen exchanges with China across the board under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, so as to boost new progress in the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future.(Meeting with Anouphab Tounalom)According to Anouphab Tounalom, currently, Laos-China relations are operating at a high level, and subnational?cooperation holds great potential. Vientiane is willing to actively participate in mechanisms such as the RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum?and?the Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation?hosted by the?CPAFFC, and exchange activities among cities along the China-Laos Railway. This aims to further deepen practical cooperation between local governments of the two countries in areas such as connectivity, urban governance, and cultural?exchanges at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Phet Phomphiphak?expressed continued commitment to advancing the implementation of projects under bilateral and multilateral mechanisms between the two associations. Taking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Laos-China diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity, he pledged to?explore new ways of organizing celebrations and join hands to deepen the friendship between the peoples of Laos and China.(Catching up with the representatives of the Pholsena?family)Friends of the Pholsena?family fondly recalled the friendship with the older generation of Chinese leaders, especially Premier Zhou Enlai. Sommano Pholsena?excitedly recounted his past with President Xi Jinping. Sommad Pholsena?and Khemmani Pholsena?spoke highly of the important contributions made by the CPAFFC in making friends for the country and carrying forward the friendship between Laos and China. They also thanked the CPAFFC for inviting their family representatives to major events held in China many times. Furthermore, they expressed that they would stay true to their?original aspirations?and nurture the younger generations of the family in carrying forward the traditional friendship between Laos and China, living up to the profound affection and goodwill shown by the leaders of the CPC and the Chinese government, as well as the Chinese people, toward their family.(Meeting with Siriphone Souphanthong)During the visit, the delegation also took the?Lane Xang electric multiple unit (EMU) train for the China-Laos railway?and conducted field research on China-Laos cooperation projects such as the China-Laos Railway Operation and Management Center and the Mahosot General Hospital.Wang Chang, Chargé d'Affaires?a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Laos and Zhang Hequn, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Luang Prabang, attended the relevant activities.
China-Laos Seminar on Poverty Alleviation and Common Development Successfully Held in Luang Prabang
On April 10, the China-Laos Seminar on Poverty Alleviation and Common Development, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Luang Prabang, the Laos-China Friendship Association?(LCFA)?and the Luang Prabang Provincial Government, was successfully held in Luang Prabang, Laos.Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, Zhang Hequn, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Luang Prabang, and Siriphone Souphanthong, Vice?Governor of Luang Prabang,?attended and addressed the seminar. Bamjan?Sapvang, former Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos and Member?of the LCFA, attended the event. Nearly 100 people attended the seminar, including representatives from prefectures, cities, counties, towns and villages in Zhejiang, Hunan, Yunnan and other relevant provinces, as well as heads of the five provincial governments of Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsali, Louang Namtha, and Houaphanh?in Laos, along with representatives of departments at all levels and enterprises.(Speech by President Yang Wanming)Yang Wanming said that since its founding in 1921, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has remained true to its original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and has united and led the people to fight for a better life over the decades.?In the new era, standing at the strategic height of completing?the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, General Secretary Xi Jinping has put?poverty alleviation at the top of his work agenda. He has presented a series of important ideas and proposals, and made some major policy decisions.?He has led the CPC and the Chinese government to establish a whole set of effective policies, working mechanisms and systems, forming a Chinese theory on fighting poverty and pioneering a unique Chinese path to poverty reduction. In 2021, President Xi Jinping declared that China had secured a comprehensive victory in the fight against poverty, achieving the poverty alleviation goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. This miracle has made a significant contribution to the cause of global poverty reduction, and has also provided Chinese insight and solutions for the global governance of poverty reduction.Yang Wanming said that China and Laos are socialist comrades and brothers. Poverty alleviation and reduction, a vital?part of the exchange of experience in Party building and state governance between China and Laos, is also a priority?area of practical cooperation between the two countries. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with people from all sectors of society in Laos to actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and guiding principles of the 2024-2028 action plan between the CPC and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) on building a China-Laos community with a shared future. It will promote China-Laos poverty alleviation?experience?sharing, exchanges and cooperation at the people-to-people?and subnational levels to create more success stories?of China-Laos poverty alleviation?demonstration cooperation. It will leverage the China-Laos Railway as a golden corridor to advance the process of regional integration.?It will give full play to the role of China-Laos sister cities and such mechanisms as the Forum on Lancang-Mekong Local Government Cooperation?to strive for new progress in subnational practical cooperation. Additionally, continued efforts will be made to strengthen personnel exchanges at all levels and in various fields, support people-to-people exchanges in border areas, and deepen good-neighborliness and friendship between China and Laos.Zhang Hequn introduced the fruitful cooperation between China and Laos in the field of poverty reduction, especially the Eight Major Aid Projects to Support Laos?announced by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his visit to Laos in 2017. He added that China's achievements show that no country or nation is destined to be poor. China can end poverty, so can Laos. China is ready to work with Laos to take development as?the fundamental approach to poverty eradication, strengthen policy dialogue?and experience sharing on poverty reduction, establish a regular exchange mechanism, continue to deepen cooperation in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure building and vocational skills training, and help Laos shift from direct aid provision to capacity-building assistance.(From left to right: Siriphone Souphanthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang, Zhang Hequn, Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Luang Prabang, and Shi Jintong, Alternate Member of the 20th CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shibadong Village Party Branch, Shuanglong Town, Hunan Province)Siriphone Souphanthong?gave a brief introduction to the economic and social development of Luang Prabang and said that the seminar will further promote the implementation of the latest version of the action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future signed by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries. Rural development and poverty alleviation are strategic tasks of the LPRP?and the?Lao government. China's valuable experience in poverty eradication provides important?inspiration for Laos. Development-oriented poverty?alleviation constitutes not only a key pillar of Laos-China bilateral collaboration but also a?focus?in their?subregional partnership. Laos highly appreciates the Chinese government's attention to and support for poverty alleviation cooperation under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC)?framework, and thanks China for its robust support and assistance to Laos'?cause of poverty alleviation. As good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners,?Luang Prabang is willing to deepen cooperation and friendship with Chinese provinces and cities, learn from China's experience in poverty alleviation, and make big strides in poverty reduction.Zheng Xinyou, Vice Mayor of Huzhou City and Executive Vice President of the Huzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Shi Jintong, Alternate Member of the 20th CPC Central Committee, Member of the 12th CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, Deputy Mayor of Shuanglong Town, and Secretary of the Party Branch and Chief of Shibadong Village, Shuanglong Town; Dong Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of the General Office of the People's Government of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province; Lu Zhou, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture; Yi Yang, Deputy Director of Luang Prabang's?Department of ?Agriculture and Forest; and Saiyavong Thavixay, Deputy Director of Luang Prabang's Department of Public Works and Transport, respectively shared the experience and achievements of poverty alleviation of their places. With a focus on the idea of targeted poverty alleviation, they?fully exchanged views and put forward constructive suggestions on strengthening mutual learning and sharing, deepening practical cooperation, achieving common development, and adding new dimensions to the China-Laos community with a shared future.
"China and Thailand, One-Family Bond" Friendly Exchange Event Successfully Held
On April 8, the "China and Thailand,?One-Family Bond"?friendly exchange event was successfully held at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).?Tie Ning, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn?of Thailand attended the event.Group photoTie Ning welcomed Princess Sirindhorn's visit to China, asked her to convey President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, and highly appreciated her significant contributions to enhancing China-Thailand friendship. Tie Ning said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and the "Golden Jubilee?of China-Thailand Friendship,"?and China is willing to work with Thailand to achieve new progress in the building of a?China-Thailand community with a shared future.Sirindhorn said that she always feels the?hospitality and friendship of the Chinese people during her trips to China?and she hopes for an enduring friendship between Thailand and China.President Yang Wanming accompanies Princess Sirindhorn to visit the booths.During the event, accompanied by President Yang Wanming, Princess Sirindhorn enjoyed with great interest and personally experienced the intangible cultural heritage exhibitions meticulously prepared by eight provinces and cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hubei, Guangdong and Sichuan. Artists from the Beijing Dance Academy and some provinces and cities jointly performed dance, folk music, martial arts, opera and other wonderful programs in a warm and friendly atmosphere.At the scene?of the?event
President Yang Wanming Meets with Parliament Member Jean-Paul Mulot of Hauts-de-France Region
On April 7, 2025, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Jean-Paul Mulot, Member of the Parliament of the Hauts-de-France Region, at the CPAFFC. The two sides had in-depth exchanges?of views on promoting friendly cooperation between China and the Hauts-de-France Region, and boosting economic, trade and cultural?exchanges.Yang Wanming spoke positively of the crucial?position of the Hauts-de-France Region in France's economic and social development, and appreciated the region's long-standing commitment to cooperation with China under the leadership of Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Regional Council. He said that subnational exchanges are a key part of China-France relations. Under the current circumstances, the two countries should strengthen communication and cooperation at all levels, facilitate the establishment of healthy and mutually beneficial cooperative relations, and jointly address global challenges. The CPAFFC?is willing to work with the Hauts-de-France Region to further tap the potential of cooperation, advance exchanges in the fields of new energy, digital economy, climate change, culture and education, and inject new impetus into subnational practical cooperation between China and France.Mulot?said that the Hauts-de-France Region attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, and enjoys a solid foundation for bilateral economic and trade cooperation and cultural?exchanges. It stands ready to deepen cooperation with the CPAFFC and relevant Chinese provinces and cities in the fields of industrial investment, green energy, and personnel training, expand youth and cultural exchanges, strengthen interactions in terms of enterprises, universities and people-to-people exchanges?between?the two sides, implement more?mutually beneficial projects, and build itself into a model for subnational cooperation between France and China.Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of?the?CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Leads a Chinese Local Delegation to Japan
From March 25 to 30, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries?(CPAFFC), led a delegation comprising of?leading officials?from six?provinces (autonomous regions), namely Liaoning, Jiangsu, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, and Xinjiang, as well as representatives from?11 cities,?including?Dalian, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Shenyang, Urumqi, Aksu, Yancheng, Zhangzhou, Nanping, Yichun, and Zaozhuang,?to visit Osaka Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Okayama Prefecture in Japan. The delegation had extensive exchanges with more than 300 representatives from various sectors, including government and parliamentary leaders, people-to-people friendship?organizations, business circles, media, think?tanks, and universities from?31 cities in?14 prefectures in the Kyushu, Kansai, and Okayama regions. Yuan Mindao, the Vice President?of CPAFFC, Xue Jian, the Chinese?Consul-General?in Osaka, and Yang Qingdong, the Chinese Consul-General?in Fukuoka, attended relevant activities.(Meet with Yasunori Nakaya, Speaker of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly, and Katsuhisa Mita, President of the Japan-China?Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union of the Prefectural Assembly)In Osaka, President Yang Wanming met with Yasunori Nakaya, Speaker of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly;?Shigeki Watanabe, Deputy Governor of Osaka Prefecture;?and Katsuhisa Mita, Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union of the Prefectural Assembly. He also held?talks?with the leadership of major economic organizations in the Kansai region, including?Masayoshi Matsumoto, Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation;?Shingo Torii, President of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry;?Shoji Nagai, Representative Director of the Kansai Committee of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives;?Yoshio Ito, President of the Japan-China Economic Relations and Trade Centre;?and Kenji Imamura, Director of the Kansai Head Office of the Japan-China Economic Association. In addition, he met?with the key personnel from?friendly organizations and youth representatives in the Kansai region, including those from Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, and Shiga Prefecture. President Yang?also?visited Panasonic Corporation and met with its President Kazuhiro Tsuga. Furthermore, he made a special trip to Nara to visit Yukiji Tsukamoto, a well-known friendly personage honored as?a?"People's Friendship Envoy".(Top left: Talk?with the leadership?of major economic organizations in Kansai; Top right: Meet with Shigeki Watanabe, Deputy Governor of Osaka Prefecture; Middle left: Meet with Kazuhiro Tsuga, President of Panasonic Corporation; Middle right: Talk?with key personnel from?friendly organizations in Kansai; Bottom left: Discuss with youth representatives in Kansai; Bottom right: Visit the friendly personage Yukiji Tsukamoto)In Fukuoka, President Yang Wanming met with Akie Omagari, Vice Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture;?Yoshitaka Eguchi, Deputy Speaker of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly;?Yutaka Naga, President of the Japan-China?Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union of the Prefectural Assembly;?Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka City;?and Motoyasu Uchikoshi, Speaker of the Fukuoka City Assembly. He attended the 2025 Kyushu China-Japan?Friendship Exchange Conference and China-Japan?Sister Cities Exchange Event jointly hosted by the CPAFFC, the Consulate-General of China in Fukuoka, the Japan-China?Friendship Association, and the Kyushu Regional Japan-China Friendship Association. He also participated in?a?welcome dinner with Tokuichiro Utsunomiya, President of the Japan-China?Friendship Association;?Senichi Moriyama, Chairman of Fukuoka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association;?and leaders from?local governments, parliaments, and friendly organizations in?Kumamoto, Okinawa, Kagoshima, and other prefectures. Additionally, he took an?interview?by?Nishinippon Shimbun.(Top: Meet with Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka City; Middle: Meet with Motoyasu Uchikoshi, Speaker of the Fukuoka City Assembly; Bottom: Meet with Akie Omagari, Vice Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture;?Yoshitaka Eguchi, Deputy Speaker of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly;?and Yutaka Naga, President of the Japan-China?Friendship Parliamentarians'?Union of the Prefectural Assembly)In?Okayama, President Yang Wanming met with Ryuta Ibaragi, Governor of Okayama Prefecture, Katsunori Kamibo, Deputy Governor of Okayama Prefecture;?and Masao Omori, Mayor of Okayama City. He watched the dance drama Crested Ibis?currently on tour in Japan, with Governor Ryuta Ibaragi. He also attended an?exchange event hosted by the Okayama Prefectural Japan-China?Friendship Association, where?nearly 100?representatives from various sectors of cities in the prefecture, including Okayama City, Kurashiki City, Bizen City, Ako City, Setouchi City, Tamano City, and Asakuchi City, participated.(The images are: Meet with Katsunori Kamibo, Deputy Governor of Okayama Prefecture; Meet with Masao Omori, Mayor of Okayama City; Attend the exchange event hosted by the Okayama Prefectural Japan-China Friendship Association; Watch the dance drama Crested Ibis)In his remarks, Yang Wanming noted?that China-Japan relations?are experiencing?a positive momentum of improvement and development. All sectors of both?countries are earnestly implementing the important consensus reached during?the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Lima. The second meeting of High-Level Consultation Mechanism on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges between China and Japan, the Ninth?Meeting of the China-Japan Ruling Party Exchange Mechanism, and the Sixth China-Japan?High-Level?Economic Dialogue have all been successively held. A series of positive interactions have taken place in various fields between the two countries, further enriching the new dimensions of China-Japan?strategic relations of mutual benefit in political, economic, and cultural fields. Leading a delegation of Chinese city?leaders to visit Western Japan, hosting the 2025 Kyushu China-Japan Friendship Exchange Conference and China-Japan Sister Cities Exchange Event, and engaging in dialogues and exchanges with local figures?in Japan are important steps in?maintaining?the recent positive momentum in?China-Japan relations?and promoting?people-to-people exchanges?and sister-city?cooperation.Yang Wanming also stated that people-to-people exchanges?are the "source of living water"?for China-Japan relations. The Two Sessions recently concluded in China further demonstrated to the world the robust momentum behind?China's high-quality?development. China remains committed to high-level?opening-up?and actively fosters new productive forces, providing?important opportunities for subnational and people-to-people exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized that both sides should?seize the opportunities, safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations as outlined in?the four political documents between China and Japan, expand?practical cooperation, and focus on emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green and low-carbon, and health and elderly care. These efforts will enrich the China-Japan strategic reciprocal relationship.?He also highlighted the importance of fostering exchanges and dialogues across?all sectors, particularly focusing on youth exchange programs to train the?next generation of leaders in the friendly cause between the two countries, thus?further improving?the public opinion foundation for China-Japan?friendship.Yang Wanming introduced the important exchange activities planned by the CPAFFC for this year and encouraged representatives from local sectors in both?countries to actively participate, creating?a new wave?of?subnational and people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan.Japanese sectors warmly welcomed?President Yang Wanming and his delegation, noting?that over?260 representatives from the subnational level?in both Japan and China gathered in Fukuoka for?the 2025 Kyushu China-Japan?Friendship Exchange Conference and China-Japan?Sister Cities Exchange Event.?This gathering injected new momentum into bilateral relations at?the people-to-people and subnational levels,?with?positive and far-reaching significance. Kansai has a long-standing tradition of exchanges with China?and views China's development as an important opportunity.?The region stands?ready?to take the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo as an opportunity to further strengthen economic, trade, and cultural exchanges with China and continue advancing?Japan-China?relations. Okayama will carry forward the friendly tradition and continue contributing?to the bright future of the bilateral ties.
