Former political leaders, members of royal families, and heads of international friendship organizations gathered in autumnal Beijing, along with many old friends of the Chinese people, to exchange friendship and explore cooperation, creating a grand and lively scene.
On the morning of October 11, President Xi Jinping met 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) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In his keynote remarks, President Xi highly praised the significance of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development. He offered an in-depth explanation of China’s stance on the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy, the deepening of friendly relations between China and foreign countries, and the drive to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
President Xi’s remarks resonated deeply among the attendees, both Chinese and international. They agreed that his vision holds great importance and far-reaching implications for the common pursuit of a better world. It will inspire individuals across various sectors to continuously contribute their wisdom and efforts toward advancing people-to-people exchanges between China and the world on this new journey.
People-to-People Friendship is the Foundation for Steady International Relations
The approximately 200 foreign guests who met with President Xi all have deep ties with China. This time, they traveled across vast distances to attend the event for the noble cause of friendship and to support the great endeavor of people-to-people exchanges. President Xi expressed his deep appreciation for their long-standing dedication to fostering friendly relations with China.
He emphasized that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for steady and enduring international relations, a driving force for world peace and development. Reflecting on China’s progress, he highlighted that none of these achievements would have been possible without the support of people from around the world. With heartfelt emotion, President Xi remarked, “We will always remember the important contributions you have made to China and the sincere friendship you have shared with the Chinese people”.
Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo attentively listened to President Xi’s address during the meeting. He said, “As a former head of state and government, I understand the importance of people-to-people relations. They are not merely an extension of official diplomacy but are a vital force driving international cooperation”.
The continuity of friendship across generations and nations. Over the past 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the nation has gained many steadfast friends who have stood in solidarity with the Chinese people. During the anniversary events, many guests shared their personal experiences and insights on dedicating themselves to the cause of friendly relations with China.
“Connectivity between peoples is the foundation of relations between nations, a principle that President Xi has consistently upheld. Friendly exchanges among people are the cornerstone of peace and cooperation”, said Former President of Guillermo Lasso, who previously attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. “Although our two countries are geographically distant, as long as we learn from each other and jointly seek the well-being of our people, there is great potential for cooperation.”
This visit marked the 132nd trip to China for Marcelo Muñoz, Honorary Chairman of the “Know China Lecture Hall” (Zhihua Jiangtang) in Spain. “Since my first visit to China in 1978, I have been astounded by the rapid progress here. This has driven me to study China extensively and to write about it,” he said with great enthusiasm. “To date, I have published four books about China and written many articles in major media outlets, introducing the evolving and dynamic China to the Western world.”
Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind is The Future for All Nations
Amid the changing world order, the destinies of all nations are intertwined. President Xi proposed three key points during the meeting: fostering broad consensus with the spirit of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”, uniting strong forces through the principle of win-win cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges with an open and inclusive mindset to create a shared future.
“President Xi has systematically elaborated on building a community with a shared future for mankind, showing us how to strive for a better world”, said Bertie Ahern, Former Prime Minister of Ireland and Co-chair of the InterAction Council. He remarked that China’s rise, from its economic achievements to its active contributions in international affairs, has infused new momentum into global peace and development. By embracing the principle of win-win cooperation and driving global sustainable development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and green transformation, China demonstrates its responsibility as a major global power.
Abdul Majid, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, was deeply moved by President Xi’s concept of “Shared Prosperity and Solidarity on a Global Scale”. He noted, “The world faces many challenges, including climate change, energy crises, geopolitical conflicts, and economic imbalances. China has put forward a series of measures and initiatives to promote cooperation and safeguard global peace. Through dialogue, innovation, and connectivity, Malaysia and China can achieve shared prosperity”.
Listening to President Xi’s speech, Tetsutaro Shimizu, Chief Representative of the Matsuyama Ballet of Japan, and its Director, Yoko Morishita, were deeply moved. They said, “Cultural integration serves as a bridge that connects hearts and has a profound impact on relations between nations and peoples. Japan and China, both situated in East Asia, share cultural similarities, and the people are familiar with concepts of harmony in diversity and mutual assistance. We hope that these common cultural foundations will further promote cooperation between our two nations”.
Carrying Forward the Cause of People-to-People Friendship
During the group meeting, President Xi expressed his sincere hope that friends from all nations would become practitioners of a community with a shared future for mankind, participants in China’s modernization, promoters of mutual understanding, and bearers of the legacy of people-to-people friendship.
In 1985, while working in Zhengding, Hebei, President Xi led a delegation to Iowa, known as the “breadbasket of America”, which fostered friendly exchanges with the local people. Luca Berrone, Board Member of the Iowa Friendship Committee, said, “For many years, President Xi has been promoting China-US people-to-people friendship. Last year, he announced that China would invite 50,000 American youths to study and exchange in China over the next five years. In the past eight months, more than 200 children from Iowa have visited China, and it has been an immensely rewarding experience for them”.
In 1992, while serving in Fujian, President Xi invited the late American Professor Gardner’s wife to visit Kuliang, fulfilling Gardner’s wish to return to the place he loved. Meeting President Xi on this occasion, Mu Yanling, the organizer of the American “Kuliang Friends” who has long been committed to promoting China-US people-to-people friendship, said, “The history of Kuliang teaches us that people from different countries and cultural backgrounds can forge friendships that endure across generations. We must plant the seeds of friendship in people’s hearts, allowing them to blossom and bear fruit”.
Former President of the Thai Parliament, Bhokin Bhalakula, noted, “In recent years, students from Thailand and China have studied in each other’s countries, strengthening our bonds of friendship. China’s initiatives have further connected Thailand with the world and supported Thailand’s economic development. Moving forward, we will focus on trade, cultural arts, and youth exchanges to foster mutual understanding and enhance connectivity between peoples. We must demonstrate to the world that people-to-people diplomacy is not just a concept; it is a powerful force that can unite nations”.
Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC, concluded, “The 70-year history of CPAFFC fully demonstrates the vital role of people-to-people friendship in promoting world peace and development, as well as the significance of people-to-people diplomacy in overall national diplomacy. We will continue to walk hand in hand with friends from around the world, taking the interests of all as our own and connecting hearts, to advance the noble cause of people-to-people friendship and strive toward the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
