On November 3rd, 80th Anniversary of Cheena Bhavana, and 90th Anniversary of Prof. Tan Yunshan’s Arrival to India International Conference On India-China Cultural Resonance, co-hosted by CPAFFC, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati(印度国际大学中国学院） and the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata was open at Santiniketan, India, where Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati is located. As the specially invited cultural project, Visual Arts of China-the Chinese Folk Art Exhibition was unveiled the same day. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC, Ma Zhanwu, Consul General of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, Riva Ganguly Das, Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Swapan Dutta, Vice Chancellor of Visva-Bharati attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Tan Zhong, son of Tan Yunshan, with his family and other over 100 experts, scholars as well as people from press and culture circle attended the opening ceremony.  Vice President Hu Sishe delivered speech Vice President Hu Sishe pointed out that China and India share many common grounds and experience similar development stage , which presents the ability for both sides to surmount the impediment of Mount Everest and pursue mutual understanding. This conference gathered experts and scholars from China and India, commemorating the efforts made by predecessors for friendship of two countries and conducting open dialogues on bilateral relations and topics concerned by two sides. The meaning of this conference is to promote understanding, build consensus and look into the future hand in hand.  Consul General Ma Zhanwu delivered speech Consul General Ma Zhanwu spoke highly of this conference, which made a new record since the independence of India in terms of the number and level of experts, scholars and areas covered. Consul General Ma Zhanwu called for cooperation among experts, scholars, students and people from media of both countries on how to know each other objectively, learn from each other and resolve conflict together. Director General Riva Ganguly Das held that China and India enjoys long-standing friendship and both sides are willing to conduct deeper exchanges and cooperation in the new era. Indian Council for Cultural Relations has committed to promote and support the people and cultural exchanges of two countries in a long term. She believed this conference has milestone significance in promoting cultural exchange between China and India and looked forward to more frequent and deeper cooperation in this area. Vice Chancellor Swapan Dutta said that under the guidance of great predecessor Rabindranath Tagore and Tan Yunshan, Visva-Bharati and its Cheena Bhavana will continue working on teaching and research and promoting mutual understanding and friendship between two peoples so as to make its own contribution for human peace and prosperity. Vice President Hu Sishe presented Indian guests with latest Chinese books After the opening ceremony, all participants, students and teachers from Visva-Bharati and local people visited Visual Arts of China-the Chinese Folk Art Exhibition and had face-to-face contacts with the artists. In the following two days, over 50 experts and scholars from Chinese universities and institutes will exchange ideas with Indian peers on culture, education, philosophy, media, bilateral relations, etc.. New books by Chinese scholars like Tan Zhong will be launched during the conference.  Vice President Hu Sishe took photo with local audiences and artists  Vice President Hu Sishe was interviewed by CCTV correspondent in India Vice President Hu Sishe visited the Exhibition with Indian guests

 On July 31, Madame Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, called on H.E.Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar, during her visit to Madagascar. Mr. Chen Xiaolei, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy, was present at the meeting. Madame Lin expressed gratitude to President Rajaonarimampianina for his support to China-Madagascar people-to-people exchanges. She said that CPAFFC, as the biggest organization engaged in non-governmental diplomacy of China, is ready to cooperate with its counterparts in Madagascar and set up more platforms of practical exchanges, especially in personnel training and industrial cooperation. President Rajaonarimampianina spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations. He said that Madagascar and China share cultural similarity and broad space of cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, investment, trade, fishing and energy.  Under the frame work of the Belt and Road Initiative, the comprehensive partnership of cooperation between Madagascar and China will constantly make new progress. Madame Lin Yi was visiting Madagascar at the invitation of Mr. Narson Rafidimanana, Minister of the Ministry Attached to the Presidency in Charge of Presidential Projects, Land Management and Equipment of Madagascar. The two sides jointly hosted “The Belt and Road: Conference on Industrial Cooperation” in Madagascar.  

 CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi led a delegation to visit Uganda from May 26 to 30, 2017 and attended the 1st Uganda Dragon Boat Festival in Entebbe on May 28. H.E. Mr. Edward Ssekandi, Vice President of Uganda, and H.E. Mr. Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda attended and addressed the Festival. Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda, Minister of State for Tourism of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Crispus Kiyonga, the designated Ugandan Ambassador to China, Mr. Benon Mugarura, Chairman of China-Africa Friendship Association Uganda (CAFAU), the local media, representatives of Chinese and Ugandan entrepreneurs, Chinese community in Uganda, the Chinese university students players and other local spectators totaling one thousand were present at the function. This Dragon Boat Race, co-hosted by the CAFAU, the Chinese Embassy in Uganda and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda, aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Ugandan peoples, further China-Africa cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote the tourism of Uganda. Players from both countries sped through the wind and the waves and forged ahead in Lake Victoria, the biggest lake in Africa, by which means they celebrated the traditional Dragon Boat Festival together. During the race, side events such as the Chinese and Ugandan cultural displays and food tasting fairs were also held. During their stay in Uganda, the delegation also attended the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the CAFAU, and met with Ugandan Vice President Edward Ssekandi, Minister of Local Government of Uganda Hon. Tom Butime and President of Uganda-China Friendship Association Mr. Sooma Ayub.           

 Mr.Hu Sishe, Vice President of the CPAFFC, attended the commemoration of the 45TH Anniversary of the Normalization of Relations between China and Japan and relative cultural events from May 1st to 5th in Japan, at the invitation of the NANAO Japan-China Friendship Society. He delivered a keynote speech themed with Strive for Progress in Peace and Friendship with Joint-efforts from Two Peoples in the commemoration conference, co-organized by the NANAO Japan-China Friendship Society, friendship societies in other cities, as well as personages in the field of politics and culture. Vice President Hu pointed out that friendly exchanges had been the mainstream over the 2,000-year mutual exchange history between the two countries. He also introduced that the CPAFFC had played a significant role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.  He expressed his thanks to all the societies and personages presented, for their constant efforts to promote Sino-Japanese friendship cause in the face of ups and downs, which was the impetus for the development of the relations between the two countries. Also, he proposed three suggestions in regard to the bilateral local exchanges and youth exchanges. He called upon joint efforts from all friendly societies to build a better future for the two countries. During his visit to Japan, Vice President Hu met with Mr. Tanimoto Masanori, governor of Ishikawa，Mr.Nakanishi Yoshiaki, vice-governor of Ishikawa, Mr.Katsumi Koga, honorary adviser of Japan-China Friendship Society of Ishikawa, Mr.KImoto Toshio, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Ishikawa, Mr.Toyokazu Fushima, mayor of the city of Nanao, Mr.Takaso Hiroshi, president of Nanao city assembly, Mr.Masuhiro Izumiya, mayor of the city of Suzu, Mr.Akasaka Toshiaki, president of Suzu city assembly, Mr.Okada Jo, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Nanao, Mr.Michizo Sanbai, p resident of Japan-China Friendship Society of Suzu, Mr.Skamoto Akira, president of Japan-China Friendship Society of Anamizu, and so on. He illustrated the status quo of China in area of politics, economy and culture. “Cooperation benefits us both while confrontation can only hurt”, he pointed out, Chinese development is an opportunity rather than an threat. Peaceful development, mutual benefit and win-win result between China and Japan was in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, as well as the common aspiration of Asia and international community, he said. Vice President Hu also presented a bouquet to the A Narrow Strip of Water Monument in Nanao, and paid his tribute to the Chinese labors, brought to Japan by force and died in ruthless oppression during the second World War. Meanwhile, he visited the family members of Mr.Sakamoto Misoji, the passed-away former Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, who was an old friend of the CPAFFC. He stated that the CPAFFC will consolidate the achievement and explore cooperation channels with its partners in north region. He also mentioned the intention to promote youth exchanges and local exchanges between the two sides. The delegation led by Vice President Hu also took part in the SEIHAKU SAI festival, a traditional cultural event in Japan, which is enlisted as intangible cultural heritage by the UNESCO.    

 On March 27, 2017, An opening ceremony of China-Japan calligraphic creations exhibition was held in Kyoto, which arranged by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association.   Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Former Premier of Japan, Mr.Sishe Hu, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Nakano Akira Senior Director of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, Mr. Gongda Yan, Dean of China Friendship Art Exchange Association，Mr.SHIRANRSH SHINYICHIROU, Director-general of Japan-China Society, Mr.KUISEKO HAKUJYU, famous of Japan calligrapher, some of calligraphy amateurs and also around over 200 guests were present the opening ceremony.  China-Japan calligraphic creations exhibition strengthens the cultural exchanges between China and Japan, and also develops friendly exchanges between China and Japan calligraphers. More than 100 pieces of exhibits were displayed this time, which belong to  the excellently calligraphers from China and Japan. Lots of calligraphic works were cited from the Analects and The Book of Rites. It shows the artistic charm in calligraphy, and also spreads the opinion of benevolence. Benevolence try to let people be good and be nice.From this calligraphic creations exhibition, it would promote cultural communication exchange between China and Japan, and strengthen the mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Japanese. China and Japan calligraphers participated a calligraphic meeting after the opening ceremony. Calligraphers created some calligraphic works in this meeting. Those calligraphic works reflected a good wish of continuous friendship between Chinese and Japanese. Also those calligraphic works stirred up wide appreciation among visitors.  During the display period, a conversation between Japan and China artist was held in Kyoto, which about aesthetic value and cultural background of Chinese calligraphy. This conversation stirred up the wide concern among Japanese people.

The “Healthier Future for Children-- High Level Dialogue on Improving Children’s Health through Efforts of EWECCPN” was held on March 23rd by CPAFFC in Beijing. Guests presented at the Dialogue including CEO of Save the Children International, Former Prime Minister of Denmark Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Vice President Xie Yuan, Representative of UNFPA in China Babatunde Ahonsi, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in China Douglas Noble, and leaderships of Policy and Technical Guidance Units, Special Advisory Units and members of United Nations Every Woman Every Child China Partnership Network (EWECCPN). Several international organizations with rich experiences in the fields of children protection and development including Save the Children attended the High-level Dialogue, and exchanged views with members of EWECCPN, discussing about how Chinese NGOs might be better engaged in the international cooperation on improving children’s health and make tangible contributions. CPAFFC and Save the Children signed an MOU at the Dialogue. Vice President Xie Yuan pointed out in his speech that the Chinese Government had always attached great importance on children’s survival, protection and development, actively participated in global and regional cooperation and exchanges in these fields while carrying out children’s work within the country. EWECCPN was founded in September, 2015 by CPAFFC, with the aim of establishing a multi-functional cross-sector cross-industry international collaboration platform to organize members to participate in the international cooperation in the fields of children relief, health and development, as well as conduct activities and projects according to the NHFPC strategy for women and children, and Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.  CEO Thorning-Schmidt said in her speech, Save the Children promised to donate 2 billion US dollars all around the world until 2020 for the health and nutrition, to guarantee the most poverty and needed women, children and their communities may have equal access to high-quality service of nutrition and sanitation. In China, Save the Children had been working together with related government and institutions for years, to bring the most advanced medical technologies to China, made active contribution to the improvement of women and children, especially those in remote poverty-stricken areas and minority areas. Save the Children and CPAFFC are both members of EWEC High-level Steering Group. The two organizations will have more collaboration on children’s health, reduction of children’s mortality rate, helping children have equal access to education, children’s protection etc.EWECCPN members have conducted remarkable exchanges with representatives of international organizations, respectively introduced their advantages in children’s health and extended the wishes of engaging in international cooperation.After the High-level Dialogue, CPAFFC organized the 2017 Annual Meeting of EWECCPN among its members. The achievement made in the past year and the future working plan had been introduced to the members. CPAFFC called for all EWECCPN members to actively support the action plan made by EWEC working group in UN and all health industry lagged behind countries; to encourage and coordinate members and other Chinese powers to participate more in international cooperation for improving women’s and children’s health under the strategic framework of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as  South-South cooperation; to form bigger multi-level platform to share with the world China’s experiences and achievements, to set up China’s great national image of full responsibility; to carry out projects in philanthropy, sanitation and medical treatment, health development, clean energy, food ect. according to Sustainable Development Goals and Country-based Programs. All EWECCPN members agreed to actively respond to and support the working plan of the Network, sharing experiences and resources of their industries to facilitate the development of EWECCPN.  

 Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the tenth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of China-U.S. People’s Friendship Association, had a meeting with former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry at the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) on March 17. President Zhou Ji of CAE and President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended the meeting. President Xu Kuangdi offered a warm welcome to Secretary Perry. He said, China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. As the most developed country in the world, the U.S. boasts conspicuous advantage in economy, science and technology. China is the world’s largest developing country and now actively engaged in raising living standards of its people and eliminating poverty. He hoped the two countries will strengthen cooperation in various sectors, benefiting their peoples and the world at large He also expressed congratulations on the publication of the Chinese version of Secretary Perry’s book, My Journey at the Nuclear Brink. Secretary Perry said, China has made remarkable progress in its development during the past decades, to which China’s science and technology development and engineers have made great contributions. The U.S. and China could share the leadership in the area of engineering aimed with aims at win-win cooperation. As an engineering miracle created by mankind, nuclear energy and its peaceful use are essential to the safety and well-being of humanity. He hoped to devote the remainer of his life to promoting greater public awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and mitigate the threat they pose to the human-beings.

To further promote the Chinese traditional culture and deepen the cross-strait culture, the 7th Cross-Strait Spring Festival Folk Cultural Gala, hosted by China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development(CFFPD) and Hebei Provincial Department of Culture was held from January 30 to February 2, 2017 in Taichung Cultural Industry Quarter.   During the whole activity, the organizers gave the cultural performance of Wuqiao Acrobatics and Jingxing Lahua, showed the intangible cultural heritages of stone carved works and Kesi spining, exhibited the Hebei folk paintings and tourism pictures, which attracted great interests of the local audiences.    During the gala, the local people specially tasted the Hebei local flavors of Zhaozhouqiao roasted pear, Zhili spring pancake, Hebei style baked roll and hand-made vermicelli noodles, which greatly enriched the food exchanges cross the strait.  The Cross-Strait Spring Festival Folk Cultural Gala was first initiated by CFFPD in 2011 and then annually held in Taiwan during the Spring Festival holidays for the purpose of promoting Chinese traditional culture and cross-strait folk cultural exchanges. It has been a brand popular Spring Festival celebration for the local people.       

On January 13th, the CPAFFC and Vietnam Embassy in China jointly held a dinner banquet in celebration of the 67th Anniversary of China-Vietnam Diplomatic Ties and 2017 Spring Festival. Mr. Yu Zhengsheng, Member of the Standing Commitee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Chairman of CPPCC and Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) attended the event and made the speeches respectively. Mr. Zhang Qingli, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CPPCC, Mr. Vo Van Thuong, Member of the Political Bureau and Minister of the Publicity Department of CPV Central Committee, Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Member of the Political Bureau of CPV Central Committee and Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam and other high-level officials and representatives from all social circles of the two countries with 300 in total attended the event. Yu Zhengsheng said in the speech that China and Vietnam were connected by rivers and mountains and both were socialist countries led by the Communist Parties which shares a interconnected future and common destiny. At present, the bilateral relations enjoy sound momentum of development with furthering political mutual-trust, deepening pragmatic cooperation and closer people-to-people exchanges . China and Vietnam should continue to adhere to the traditional friendship, solidarity and mutual-support, enhance the win-win cooperation and mutual-respect and promote the bilatral strategic cooperative partnership relations for further development. Nguyen Phu Trong said in the speech that the people-to-people friendship is the foundation and original force for the devleopment of bilateral relations. The two side should make more flexible and diversified efforts in this regard especially to the exchanges between younger generations, thus to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship, inherit and enhance the traditional friendship cultivated by the leaders from older generations of the two countries and push forward the bilateral relations for further development. Yu Zhengsheng and Nguyen Phu Trong held a meeting before the event. During the event, artists from both countries staged wonderful performances which pushed the friendship atomosphere in celebration of Spring Festival by both countries to a climax.    

On December 6th, Ms. Arlene Foster, First Minister of Northern Ireland attended the 4th Meeting of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue.On the 4th meeting, Ms. Foster introduced the cooperation between the Northern Ireland and Liaoning as well as Hubei in the fields of Airplane Parts Manufacturing，higher education and medical care. She said that Northern Ireland will further develop cooperation with Chinese regions through the channel of Northern Ireland Bureau in China and the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast. Northern Ireland is interested in host the 3rd China-UK Local Leaders Meeting next year, and will keep close communication with the CPAFFC. Before the meeting, Ms. Foster met with Vice Premier Liu Yandong, Chinese Chair of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue. Vice Premier Liu Yandong appreciated Northern Ireland’s efforts in facilitating friendly cooperation with China and hope Northern Ireland can further strengthen cooperation Chinese regions, deepen people to people exchanges, and consistently inject new impetus into the golden era of China-UK relations. Vice President Song Jingwu of the CPAFFC met with Ms. Foster before the 4th meeting，and exchanged views on the cooperation between China and Northern Ireland after Br-exit and the 3rd China-UK Local Leaders Meeting. Ms. Wang Shuying also attended the meeting.