On October 28, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a dinner in Beijing to welcome the 45-member delegation of young Japanese educational workers organized by the Japan-China Friendship Center. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended and delivered a speech at the event.

Yuan highlighted that respecting teachers and valuing education are shared traditions of both China and Japan. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972, educational exchanges have flourished, becoming a cornerstone of China-Japan cultural exchanges. Over the years, the CPAFFC has collaborated with the Japan-China Friendship Center to facilitate mutual visits and exchanges among young educational workers, yielding significant results and establishing the program as a flagship initiative in bilateral exchanges.

Yuan emphasized that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in the people, and its future depends on the younger generation. He expressed hope that young educators from both countries would build lasting friendships, learn from each other, and work together to advance education in both nations and strengthen China-Japan ties. He reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to collaborating with various sectors in Japan, including the Japan-China Friendship Center, to realize the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Yuan also called for joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, especially the youth, and contribute wisdom and strength to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship in the new era.

The head of the delegation, Professor Shimbo Atsuko from Waseda University, said that she has long been engaged in teaching and research in the field of education and expressed her recognition of the importance of strengthening exchanges between young educators from the two countries. Representing over 40 primary and secondary schools across 17 prefectures in Japan, the delegation looked forward to meaningful engagement with their Chinese counterparts. Delegates pledged to actively participate in discussions, forge friendships, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Japan.

Qin Lei, Director of the Beijing International Education Exchange Center, and Masato Usui, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, also delivered speeches before the dinner.

During their stay in Beijing, the delegation attended a meeting with Chinese and Japanese educators and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics of mutual interest with teachers from 28 primary and secondary schools in Beijing and representatives from related organizations.

During their visit to China, the delegation is scheduled to visit Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, and other places to engage in friendly exchanges, visit local primary and secondary schools, experience traditional Chinese culture, and witness the achievements of China's economic and social development in the new era.