On September 26, the 2024 Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province, and the China Theatre Association, was grandly inaugurated in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province.The opening ceremony was attended by Qi Xuchun, Vice Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Speeches were delivered by Lu Xiaoqing, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and Head of the Publicity Department; Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Chen Yongquan, Secretary of the Party Subgroup and Executive Vice Chairman of the China Theatre Association; Wei Xiaokui, Secretary of the Fuzhou Municipal Committee of the CPC; and Sarah Mann, British Consul General in Guangzhou. Other distinguished guests included Alfred Chirilo, Zambian Minister to China; Laurent Cuénoud, French Deputy Consul General in Wuhan; Constance Mulela, Mayor of Livingstone, Zambia; Dina Namubisi, Mayor of Swakopmund, Namibia; Isabel Maldonado, Deputy Mayor of Alcalá, Spain; and a Youth Delegation from the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Over 300 guests from China and abroad attended the ceremony. The event was presided over by Wan Guangming, Vice Governor of Jiangxi Province.Yuan Mindao remarked that the Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month has become a significant platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. It has also strengthened friendly exchanges between Tang Xianzu’s hometown, Fuzhou, and Stratford, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Yuan highlighted that art knows no borders, and culture brings shared understanding, expressing hope that the event will serve as a bridge for dialogue through drama, showcasing China’s sincere commitment and practical approach to fostering cultural exchange and cooperation worldwide.Lu Xiaoqing stated that Jiangxi Province will continue to enhance the cultural brand of the “Tang Xianzu Drama Festival & International Drama Exchange Month”. By adhering to principles of integrity and innovation, Jiangxi aims to creatively transform and develop China’s excellent traditional cultural elements, ensuring that Chinese culture resonates globally.Sarah Mann emphasized that literature and drama are integral parts of the deep relationship between China and the UK. Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu, the most famous poets of the two countries, lived during the same era, and their parallel lives have fostered a bond between Stratford and Fuzhou, establishing a bridge for cultural exchange between the two nations.During the opening ceremony, artistic troupes from the UK, Spain, and other countries, along with domestic performers, presented a captivating cultural performance that seamlessly blended elements of Eastern and Western art. The 2024 Drama Exchange Month, running from September 26 to the end of October, features eight main events, including the National Theatre Carnival, the Multi-City Classic Theatre Invitation Exhibition, and the third national “Fragrant Tea of China” Tea-Picking Opera Performance.

On September 23, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Oláh Lajos, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Hungary-China Friendship Group of Parliamentarians at the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on enhancing people-to-people exchanges and promoting cooperation in areas such as sister city relationships, cultural exchanges, and youth engagement.Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, and Péter Király, Deputy Head of Mission of the Hungarian Embassy in China, were also present at the meeting.

On September 13, a reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia, and the 5th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands, was held in Beijing. Vice President Shen Xin of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Vincent Sivas, Ambassador of the Federated States of Micronesia to China, and Barrett Salato, Ambassador of the Solomon Islands to China, attended the reception and delivered speeches.Shen noted that the friendly exchanges between the people of China and the Pacific island nations have a long history. In recent years, both sides have proactively expanded practical cooperation in many fields, which has not only enhanced the welfare of both peoples but also made significant contributions to regional peace and stability. Looking to the future, China is willing to work with Pacific island countries to continue deepening friendly exchanges and practical cooperation, fostering further progress in China-Pacific cooperation.Sivas stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, exchanges and cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields between Micronesia and China have deepened, with mutual understanding and trust continuously strengthening. The cooperation carried out within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative has significantly benefited both peoples. He expressed his hopes that both sides will further strengthen their friendship and cooperation in the future.Salato remarked that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, many development cooperation projects have laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. The Solomon Islands highly appreciates and supports the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and looks forward to working with China to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.Attending the reception were the Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs of the Chinese Government, Qian Bo, officials from the International Department, Central Committee of C.P.C., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the National Youth Federation, the All-China Women's Federation, as well as representatives from provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shandong, Yiwu, and Liaocheng. Also present were representatives from universities, industry associations, enterprises, as well as foreign diplomats, international students, and representatives from countries such as Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand, totaling over a hundred attendees.During the reception, students from Minzu University of China and representatives from Solomon Islands performed captivating ethnic songs and dances.

On September 12, the 2nd China-EU Geographical Indications Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-EU Association, was held in Zhengzhou. The theme of the forum was “Implementing the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications and Facilitating High-Quality Industrial Development”. Liu Qibao, Vice Chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee and President of the China-EU Association, former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero, and Kong Changsheng, Chairman of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Former Irish Prime Minister Ahern delivered a video address at the opening.Liu pointed out that since the official signing of the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications on September 14, 2020, the value of geographical indication products and export benefits between China and Europe have continued to increase, benefiting enterprises and consumers on both sides. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made important arrangements for improving the high-level opening-up system, creating new opportunities for expanding cooperation with EU member states. Further efforts are needed to implement the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications, promote the high-quality development of geographical indication industries, continuously enhance the recognition and competitiveness of China-EU geographical indication products, and drive fruitful results in geographical indications and economic cooperation between China and Europe.Zapatero congratulated the forum on its opening and stated that the signing and implementation of the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications exemplifies both sides’ commitment to trade liberalization and facilitation, fully reflecting their determination to pursue free and open trade and to uphold a rules-based multilateral system, as well as their shared goal of advancing an open global economy. He expressed hope that both sides would continue to support each other, closely exchange and cooperate, and promote the full implementation of the agreement, achieving new developments in the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.Nearly 200 representatives from the China-EU sectors engaged in active discussions on topics including “How Products Protected Under the Agreement from China Enter EU Markets”, “Transportation Channels for China-EU Geographical Indication Products”, and “Geographical Indication Regions in China and Europe: Cultural Heritage and Tourism”. They reached a consensus on the importance of deepening cooperation on geographical indication products and elevating the China-EU economic and trade relationship to new levels. The forum also featured displays of China-EU geographical indication products and thematic lectures as supplementary activities.

On September 9, the 2024 Guizhou International Friendly City Exchange and Cooperation Conference, themed "Jointly Discussing Friendship and Cooperation, Promoting Open Development", was successfully held in Guiyang. Guizhou Province Governor Li Bingjun, Vice Governor Cai chaolin, and other provincial leaders attended the conference, alongside guests from 32 international friendly cities and regions across 15 countries. Deputy Secretary-General Zhang Yangbin attended the meeting and delivered a speech.Zhang Yangbin said that international friendly cities serve as an important channel for friendly exchanges between localities and peoples, as well as a critical foundation and strong support for relations between China and foreign countries. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of actively promoting China's international friendship city initiatives, fostering exchanges between local and foreign governments, and realizing resource sharing, complementary advantages, and win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of the first friendship city relationship in 1973, Chinese local governments have forged over 3,000 pairs of friendship provincial and city relationships with counterparts in 147 countries and regions, creating a vast international network of friends and partners spanning five continents.Zhang further pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has laid out systematic plans to further deepen comprehensive reforms and advance Chinese-style modernization. This will undoubtedly open up broader development opportunities for cooperation between international friendly cities. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is eager to play its role as a bridge, facilitating the establishment of friendships between Chinese cities and their global counterparts, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among nations, deepening local exchanges and pragmatic cooperation, and contributing to the shared well-being of all peoples. He expressed that together, efforts will be made to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

On September 13, Vice President Jiang Jiang met with Kerry Curran, the newly appointed Head of Northern Ireland Bureau China, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people exchanges and promoting regional cooperation.

On September 10, the finals of the 2024 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition, hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and organized by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, along with the Sichuan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Chengdu University, was successfully held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Vice President Yan Dong of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Wang Qian, Vice Mayor of Chengdu, attended and delivered speeches.Yan stated that writing serves as a witness to history, a guardian of tradition, and a transmitter of civilization. "Civilization becomes vibrant through exchange, and it enriches through mutual learning. Civilizational exchange and mutual learning are vital driving forces for advancing human civilization and world peace". In March 2023, President Xi Jinping first proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating for the coexistence and mutual learning of different civilizations. This year's event, themed "Trust", aims to further convey the core values of Chinese culture, unite global cooperation consensus, and promote shared values of humanity and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.Yan remarked that the world, era, and history are changing in unprecedented ways, but honesty and integrity remain our unwavering values. He expressed hope that participants would use Chinese characters as a medium to become ambassadors of friendly exchanges between different civilizations, promoting civilizational exchanges and mutual learning to create a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.Ten contestants from the United States, Congo (Brazzaville), Egypt, France/South Africa, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Togo, and Vietnam shared their insights on Chinese culture and told stories of "trust", each expressing their connection to Chinese characters. Ultimately, the contestant from France/South Africa, Luo Yase, won the grand prize, while others received first, second, and third prizes. Zheng Yongzhen from the University of Seoul won the overseas excellence award.The "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition, initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, has been held for four consecutive years since 2021, with nearly ten thousand foreign Chinese learners from over 80 countries/regions participating, collectively writing a beautiful story of civilizational mutual learning and mutual trust.

On September 2, Vice President Jiang Jiang met with Knappen, Chairman of the Netherlands China Friendship Association, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between their organizations and promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and the Netherlands.

On August 29, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the San Marino China Friendship Association delegation led by President Barbara Terenzi in Beijing.Yuan stated that San Marino and China have consistently adhered to mutual respect and equal benefits, establishing a model for harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems, and cultures. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is willing to strengthen cooperation with the San Marino China Friendship Association to make new contributions to the development of relations between China and San Marino.Terenzi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The San Marino China Friendship Association extends its warm congratulations. The delegation hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of China's achievements in recent years through this friendship trip and is committed to introducing a real and comprehensive China to the people of San Marino and Europe.

On August 18, 2024, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations co-hosted a meeting in Guangzhou between the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To Lam and representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship.Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Approximately 150 representatives from Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other provinces, along with main members of To Lam's delegation and diplomats from the Vietnamese Embassy in China, attended the event. Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC delivered a speech, while Vice President Yuan Mindao presided over the event.During the event, To Lam took commemorative photos with the representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship and delivered a keynote speech. He expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the Party, the government, and the people of Vietnam for the long-standing support provided by the Party, the government, and the people of China during Vietnam's revolutionary struggle and in its current national development. To Lam emphasized that Vietnam places great importance on its relationship with China, regarding it as a top priority. He stressed the commitment to carrying forward the traditional friendship that was personally forged by the older generations of leaders from both countries, including Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong. To Lam expressed his hope that the "profound Vietnam-China friendship, from comradeship to brotherhood" will continue to grow in a healthy, stable, and pragmatic manner, bringing greater benefits to both nations. He called on the friendship advocates from both sides to work together to ensure that this special relationship is passed on through generations, to further deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and to make significant contributions to building a Vietnam-China community with shared strategic interests.At the meeting, Yu Shuhui, a former medical worker from Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region who provided aid in Vietnam, and Su Airong, a researcher from the Guangdong Revolutionary History Museum, shared their personal experiences of Vietnam-China friendship. Both pledged to continue to uphold and promote the traditional friendship between the two nations, contributing to the ongoing narrative of "comradeship turning into brotherhood" in Vietnam-China relations.The meeting concluded with the performance of the friendship song "Vietnam-China", which further enhanced the warm and amicable atmosphere of the event.