On the morning of October 11, President Xi Jinping held a group meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). President Xi stressed that amidst the unprecedented changes of the century, the destinies of all nations are interconnected, and humanity shares a common future. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the path forward for the peoples of the world. China is committed to strengthening people-to-people exchanges with friends from all nations, leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy to jointly build this shared future.
On the afternoon of October 11, the China International Friendship Conference and the 70th Anniversary Celebration of CPAFFC was held in Beijing. Themed “Deepening People-to-People Friendship and Promoting the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind”, the event was attended by approximately 500 participants, including leaders of international friendship organizations, global friends, and representatives from China. Participants noted that President Xi’s address has charted a clear direction for building a community with a shared future for mankind, encouraging continued strengthening of friendly exchanges and cooperation across various fields to pass on people-to-people friendship from generation to generation, contributing to world peace, development, and prosperity.
Fostering Broad Consensus Through the Spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”
President Xi emphasized the need to foster broad consensus on building a community with a shared future for mankind through the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”. He called for upholding the shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom; advocating a multi-polar world with equality and order; and promoting inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization, thus building a peaceful, harmonious, and cohesive global family.
Former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind reflects China’s vision in global governance, offering a direction for win-win cooperation among nations and bringing hope for a more inclusive and harmonious global future.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama remarked that the more complex and challenging international relations become, the greater the need for face-to-face, candid, and constructive dialogue. “President Xi’s vision of a community with a shared future for mankind provides a pathway to addressing global challenges. We must adhere to principles of mutual respect and understanding as we work to build this shared future”.
Gary Deworcheck, a friend from Iowa, USA, said that the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind advocates building a better world together, showcasing China’s commitment to global unity and cooperation.
Princess Masna of Brunei noted, “In today’s world, where uncertainties are increasing, and global challenges such as climate change are escalating, we must strengthen cooperation, enhance people-to-people diplomacy, and promote common development to address shared challenges”. She expressed Brunei’s desire to deepen bilateral relations with China, strengthening the bond of connectivity between peoples and building a world of mutual understanding, inclusive cooperation, and sustainable development.
“President Xi Jinping’s concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind provides a common vision for the world, one that seeks to address global challenges through cooperation, peace, and development,” stated Diego Marcos, Executive Chairman of the Civil Association for Argentina-China Cooperation. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges play a vital role in the realization of this vision. “I hope to continue advancing civil exchanges between Argentina and China, and to contribute as a practitioner in building this shared future.”
President Xi’s spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale” resonated strongly with Zhuang Hanjie, President of the US-China Youth and Student Exchange Association. He remarked, “China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit in fostering friendly relations with other countries. This approach positions China as a stabilizing force for global peace and stability, contributing significantly to global prosperity and development.”
Uniting Strong Forces Through the Principle of Win-Win Cooperation
President Xi stressed that the principle of win-win cooperation should guide efforts to unite strong forces for building a community with a shared future for mankind. China does not seek modernization that benefits only itself. It welcomes more foreign friends to participate in the process of China’s modernization, providing new opportunities for global development through China’s achievements, fostering peace, development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity worldwide, bringing greater benefits to people of all countries.
Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern stated that China’s commitment to win-win cooperation, through initiatives like high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, has consistently contributed to sustainable global development, reflecting China’s responsibility as a major nation. “People-to-people diplomacy not only brings countries closer but also plants seeds of friendship and cooperation in the hearts of people around the world”, Ahern said.
Ali Youssouf, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab-Chinese Friendship Societies, noted that the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session outlined a blueprint for deepening reforms and advancing China’s modernization. This will not only drive China’s socioeconomic development but also contribute to addressing global challenges and promoting shared prosperity. He further emphasized that China’s Belt and Road Initiative promotes infrastructure connectivity and strengthens economic ties among nations, making it a popular global public good and cooperation platform.
Former Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso remarked, “China’s continued openness will create more opportunities for multinational enterprises and open new horizons for cooperation among developing countries”. He also emphasized that President Xi’s proposals, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives, provide new pathways for enhancing global governance, revitalizing multilateralism, and promoting cooperation among developing nations.
Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda expressed strong support for China’s three global initiatives. “Tanzania is willing to work with China to build a community with a shared future for mankind, creating a brighter future for humanity”.
Galo Enrique Pereira, a representative of the Brazil-China Friendship Association, observed that adhering to the principle of win-win cooperation for mutual benefit and practicing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind will inject strong impetus into global modernization and prosperity, bringing more benefits to people worldwide.
Vice President of the Japan-China Friendship Association Okazaki Yutaka stated that the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind provides a framework for building a peaceful world. “China has made significant contributions to global peace, economic growth, and development. Welcoming more foreign friends to participate in China’s modernization will help enhance cooperation between countries and promote common prosperity.”
Former Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, David Carter remarked, “The achievements China has made over the past decades are nothing short of a developmental miracle. I look forward to seeing China’s continued growth and progress.”
Promoting Cultural Exchanges with an Open and Inclusive Mindset
President Xi stressed the importance of promoting cultural exchanges with an open and inclusive mindset to build a civilization that supports the community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese people have always been open and inclusive, kind, and friendly. China is willing to work with all parties to practice the Global Civilization Initiative, fostering understanding, deepening friendships, and using cultural exchanges to overcome barriers and transcend conflicts.
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Korn Dabbaransi, praised China for consistently upholding the principles of openness and inclusiveness in deepening its friendship with people worldwide, while promoting global peace and prosperity. He emphasized, “Thailand highly appreciates President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative. We will continue to foster friendly exchanges with China under the spirit of ‘Thailand-China Family Ties’, carrying forward the friendship between our peoples and contributing to world peace.”
Aurel Papari, Chairman of the Romania-China Friendship Association, shared, “Listening to President Xi’s insightful speech on building a community with a shared future for mankind was truly inspiring. It is about creating a better world and building bridges of communication between hearts and minds”.
Siafa G. Sheriff, President of the Liberia-China Friendship Organization (LICFO), who studied in China in 2004, spoke of the deep friendship between the peoples of Liberia and China, which shaped his understanding of people-to-people diplomacy. After returning home, he founded the LICFO. “China shares its experiences in agricultural modernization with an open and inclusive mindset, bringing new opportunities to Liberia. We will continue to work towards enhancing connections between our peoples and promoting connectivity.”
Robert Sanborn, former chairperson of US-China Peoples Friendship Association (USCPFA), remarked, “I have visited China many times and have seen continuous improvement in its ecological environment, vibrant technological innovation, and remarkable achievements in Chinese modernization. During this period, I have also built deep friendships with the Chinese people”. He added that the friendly ties between the people of China and the US continue to grow, fostering greater stability and positive energy for the world.
Mohamed Rasheed, Chairman of the China-Maldivian Cultural Association (CMCA), noted, “Cultural exchanges and mutual learning are vital to promoting world peace and development. Increasing mutual understanding and fostering dialogue are the foundations for building a peaceful, harmonious, and cohesive global community”. He highlighted the growing enthusiasm among Maldivian youth for learning Chinese and studying in China, which facilitates genuine communication, drives cultural exchange, and deepens mutual understanding and friendship.
