To highlight the forthcoming 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China Traffic Radio is launching a series of special programs. On 24 August, Madame Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, received an interview by China Traffic Radio and made brief introduction on CPAFFC’s endeavors in promoting local governments, youth and cultural exchanges with Africa.    Madame Lin said that CPAFFC held the Job Fair for African Students in November of 2017 and proposed the establishment of the China-Africa Local Governments union of TVET (Technical & Vocational Education & Training) Cooperation during the Third Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation hosted in Beijing in May 2018. The aim is to improve technical skills for young Africans, promote their employment and provide competent personnel resources to Chinese companies in Africa. Besides, on the purpose of strengthening the interaction between Chinese and African people, CPAFFC has hosted three dragon boat festive events in Egypt and Uganda which were well-received by local residents and played an active role in promoting cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Africa.        

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan meets with Japan-China Association (JCA) delegation led by NODA TAKESHI, President of JCA and Member of the House of Representatives of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Zhong Nan Hai, Beijing on August 24th. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, met with Japan-China Association delegation led by Mr. NODA TAKESHI, President of Japan-China Association (JCA) and Member of the House of Representatives of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Zhong Nan Hai, Beijing on August 24th. Vice President Wang Qishan said, China and Japan enjoy profound friendship. The healthy and stable bilateral relations are not only apt to the historical trend, but in line with the interests of the two peoples. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China and Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and both sides should , on the basis of the four political documents between China and Japan and in the spirit of reviewing the history and looking into the future, properly handle issues and differences so as to maintain the momentum of improving bilateral relations. To implement the important consensus had been reached by leaders of the two countries, the two countries should meet each other in halfway and deepen pragmatic cooperation. It is hoped that Japan and China Association should never forget the started mission, uphold a firm belief, continue to play the unique advantages of the friendship of the two peoples and made active contributions to improve the bilateral relations. Mr. NODA TAKESHI said, Japan-China Association would like to take the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China and Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up as opportunities to firmly make more efforts on improving the Sino-Japanese relationship.  Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, Mr. Chen Xiaodong, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry and Mr. YutakaYokoi, Japanese Ambassador to China, attended the meeting. The visiting of Japan-China Association delegation to China was at the invitation of CPAFFC.     resource: Xinhuanet: http://www.xinhuanet.com/2018-08/24/c_1123324921.htm

Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, President of China-Japan Friendship Association (CJFA) met in Beijing with Japan-China Association delegation led by Mr. NODA TAKESHI, President of Japan-China Association (JCA) and Member of the House of Representatives in the Diet on August 23rd. Mme. Zhu Dan and Mr. Cheng Haibo, Deputy Director Generals of the Department of Japanese Affairs of CPAFFC, Mr. Shikata Noriyuki, Minister of the Japanese Embassy in China, attended the meeting. Tang Jiaxuan extended welcome to Japan-China Association delegation for its visiting China and spoke highly of the unremitting efforts NODA TAKESHI and his wife had made for a long time to promoting the friendly exchanges of the two peoples and improving the bilateral relations. Tang Jiaxuan said, the Japan-China Friendship was established in 1975. It had made active contributions to the signing of the China-Japan?Treaty?of?Peace?and?Friendship. NODA TAKESHI also made remarkable efforts for the work, which was appreciated and was never forgot by the people. Tang Jiaxuan said, the current bilateral relations are increasingly improved. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace?and?Friendship, Mr. NODA TAKESHI led new members of Japan-China Association to visit China, which is of important significance. Therefore, the Chinese side attached importance to this visiting, and hoped to obtain positive results after this in-depth exchanges with China on relevant fields. He also expected Japan-China Association to develop various creative and effective activities in the new situation and made new contributions to further promoting the friendly exchanges of the two peoples and pushing bilateral relations for improvement. NODA TAKESHI thanked President Tang Jiaxuan for taking time to meet them and thoughtful arrangement for them. He said that Japan-China Association had been adhering to the spirit of the Sino-Japanese friendship since it was founded, and was dedicated to promoting the friendly exchanges of the two peoples in various fields. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China and Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and also the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up. Japan and China Association would like to take these as opportunities to make more contributions to improving the bilateral ties.      

Mr. Li Xikui, Secretary General of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr. TAKEUCHI MAKOTO, Honorary Director of the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and his delegation on August 15. During the meeting, Secretary General Li Xikui said, cultural exchange is one of the important tasks of the CPAFFC. There are several similarities between Chinese and Japanese cultures, which produce a natural affinity. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. In 2020, the Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo, and in 2022, the Winter Olympic Games will be organized in Beijing. Both sides should take these important opportunities to further develop cooperation, carry forward the culture of the two countries, improve the bilateral relations and enhance the feelings of the two peoples. TAKEUCHI MAKOTO thanked Secretary General Li Xikui for taking time to meet them. He made an introduction about the exchange activities and programs developed in the Japan-China-ROK capital museums. He also hoped to continue combining the relic exhibition with cultural promotion with the support of the CPAFFC, so as to strengthen the mutual understanding and friendly feelings among China, Japan and ROK.          

The Sixth China-Germany U16 Youth Football Friendship Tournament jointly organized by CPAFFC and Friendship Association Mannheim/Rhein-Neckar in Germany was successfully held in Qingdao, Shandong Province from August 2nd to August 13th . CPAFFC Vice-President Song Jingwu attended the event. Team Waldhof and Team Waldorf from Mannheim competed with No.1 High School Qingdao, Qingdao Experimental High School, Yiwu 11th High School and The Huis' Middle School of Shenyang. Finally Team Waldorf, Team Waldhof and Qingdao Experimental High School won respectively the Top 3 of the Tournament. On the evening of August 10th, over 150 youth from both countries gathered for the Sino-German Youth Night of Friendship in the Qingdao Sino-German Ecological Park. After 10 days of competition and being together, the young players communicated with each other and established a deep friendship among them using football as a language. Vice-president Song Jingwu. Vice-Mayor of Qingdao, former German head coach of Chinese Men National Soccer Team Klaus Schlappner, city councilor of Mannheim Andrea Safferling attended the closing ceremony and the Night of Friendship.   former German head coach of Chinese national football team Klaus Schlappner making speech in the opening ceremony   Vice-president Song Jingwu speaking in the closing ceremony   during the game   Sino-German Youth Night of Friendship   champion of the Tournament: U16-football team of Waldorf        

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met in Beijing with Mr. TERASAKI HIROTSUGU, Vice President of Soka Gakkai and his delegation on August 9. Vice President Song Jingwu extended welcome to the delegation and conveyed cordial greetings from CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin to Soka Gakkai Honorary President Ikeda Daisaku. Vice President Song Jingwu said that, China and Japan are important neighbors to each other. To develop a healthy and stable Sino-Japanese relations is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. Under the joint efforts of the governments and all walks of life of the two countries, the bilateral relations have been maintaining a positive and improved momentum since the recent years. In May, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s successful visiting to Japan promoted China-Japan relations back to the normal track. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and also marks the 50th anniversary of offering suggestions by Honorary President Ikeda Daisaku on the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations. CPAFFC hoped the Soka Gakkai delegation led by President Minoru Harada to visit China on the occasion of this important time, and expected to deepen the friendly cooperation of both sides through this visiting so as to make common efforts to improve the bilateral relations and to realize the friendship for generations between the two countries. Vice President Song hoped that the Soka Gakkai could constantly carry forward the concepts of "anti-war" and "peace" and the belief of Sino-Japanese friendship advocated and upheld by Honorary President Ikeda Daisaku, and make new contributions to the improvement of the bilateral ties. TERASAKI HIROTSUGU thanked Vice President Song for taking time to meet them and asked Vice President Song to convey the sincere greetings from Honorary President Ikeda Daisaku to CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin. TERASAKI HIROTSUGU said, the current Sino-Japanese relations showed positive and good signals, especially Premier Li Keqiang’s successful visiting to Japan in May. Under the guidance of the Honorary President Ikeda Daisaku, the Soka Gakkai will firmly uphold the belief of the Sino-Japanese friendship. President Minoru Harada will visit China this year. TERASAKI HIROTSUGU hoped to take this visiting as an opportunity to constantly consolidate and deepen the friendly exchanges and cooperation with CPAFFC, and made common efforts to inspire more young generations to work for the Sino-Japanese friendship, pass on the traditional friendship and make their efforts on the further improvement of the bilateral relations        

On August 8, 2018, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Mr. Luis Antonio Revilla, Mayor of La Paz City, capital of Bolivia, and his wife. Vice President Xie Yuan introduced the main tasks of the CPAFFC and the results from the cooperation and exchanges in the field of the local governments between CPAFFC and Latin-America in recent years. Both sides exchanged views on how to develop the exchanges in the fields of economy, trade, culture between the governments of the two countries.   Mr. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of CPAFFC attended the meeting.       Photographed by Chen Kuanghuai

In order to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China strategic partnership, the 2nd ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship Organizations Leader’s Meeting (hereinafter referred to as: Meeting), and the 6th ASEAN- China Youth Cultural Exchange Festival (hereinafter referred to as: Exchange Festival)  co-sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the People’s Government of Sichuan Province and organized by Sichuan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), were held in Chengdu on the evening of August 6. Mme. Gu Xiulian, President of China-ASEAN Association (CAA) delivered a keynote speech and announced the opening of the activities. Mr. KORN DABBARANSI, the former deputy Prime Minister and the President of Thailand-China Friendship Association (TCFA), Mr. Yin Li, Governor of Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, made speeches respectively. Around 250 personages including Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Mr. Liu Jie, Deputy Director-General of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, and leaders from friendship organizations in China and ASEAN countries, as well as youth representatives, attended the opening ceremony. Gu Xiulian said, with a theme of Sharing Development Experience, Promoting Service Strategic Docking, Building a Community with a Shared Future between China and neighboring countries, the Meeting closely followed the background of the times and the hot issues covering the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, Belt and Road Initiative and etc.. The Exchange Festival, with a theme of Innovation Creating Development, Youth Leading Future, was a better response to the China-ASEAN Year of Innovation. She pointed out , with the further development of the reform and opening up, China will bring more opportunities to the foreign countries in the world including ASEAN countries. Nongovernmental “10+1” friendly mechanism should not forget the starting mission of learning each other and should adhere to the attitude of opening up and cooperation and make contributions to build a closer Community with a Shared Future between China and ASEAN countries. Yin Li said, nongovernmental organizations of China and ASEAN countries had made active contributions to the development of ASEAN-China strategic partnership. Cultural exchanges of the youth had become an important bond among the hearts of the peoples. This activity will be certain to provide new opportunities for the cooperation for win-win results and the exchanges of the youth between Sichuan and ASEAN countries, also enhance the cultural resonance among the peoples and strengthen a friendly foundation for the relationship between China and ASEAN countries as well as commonly promote and create a higher level of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. KORN DABBARANSI expressed that the nongovernmental “10+1” dialogue mechanism jointly launched by China and ASEAN countries fifteen years ago, which had become a successful and sustainable people-to-people dialogue platform  toward peace and prosperity. This mechanism is cohesion of the willingness and consensus of nearly 2 billion people from China and ASEAN and played a vital role in peace, stability and prosperity of this region and the world. The friendly organizations from ASEAN countries firmly support the nongovernmental "10+1" mechanism and are willing to work with China to create a more close friendly relationship. This Meeting invited nearly 30 people from the 10 ASEAN countries including 11 leaders from friendly organizations to attend this activity. It would hold three plenary meetings and arrange inspections on the topics of Belt and Road Initiative, opening-up and others. Over a hundred college students from the 9 ASEAN countries were invited to attend this Exchange Festival and were divided into three groups with 30 college students from Chengdu to visit Sichuan and other places, and exchanged their views with the representatives.        

At the invitation of Sister Cities International (SCI), Vice President Xie Yuan visited the U.S. from July 30th to August 3rd . He participated at the 62nd SCI annual conference in Aurora, Colorado. Prior to that he visited California to attend the opening of Politics and Pop Culture of First Ladies Fashion Exhibition at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda and meet with President Jerrold Green of the Pacific Council on International Policy in Los Angeles. Themed as “Cities Leading the Way”, the SCI annual conference attracted more than 500 participants from 15 countries, including elected officials, sister cities and community leaders, scholars, business executives and youth leaders. As a special sub-forum of this year’s conference, the “Silk Road Track” gathered speakers from the U.S., Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzsta to talk about how to do a better job for sister cities of the relevant countries along the Silk Road. Vice President Xie delivered a speech as the guest speaker. He introduced the ancient Silk Road and its major features including openness and inclusiveness, peace and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win. He also introduced the “Belt and Road”Initiative (BRI) and its achievements during the past five years. He emphasized how to promote sister cities work and deepen people-to-people bond through the BRI platform. Participants spoke highly of Vice President Xie’s speech and expressed their willingness to join the BRI, and conduct more practical cooperation in the fields of sister cities, education, people-people exchanges, so as to make tangible benefits to local citizens. Vice President Xie also held meeting with board members of SCI and exchanged ideas on co-hosting the Fourth U.S.-China Friendship Cities Conference next July. Over 100 people from political, business and other social sectors of southern California attended the opening of the exhibition at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. The exhibition featured the red coat wore by Mrs. Pat Nixon on her 1972 trip to China, and thus China-US relationship was a highlight at the opening event. Vice President Xie Yuan said in his speech, President Nixon’s visit to China opened the door of communication between China and the United States. It is one of the most important events in the world history. Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. The exhibition will help the American people to understand that important part of history in China-U.S. relations, and encourage people to treat China-U.S. friendly relationship in a more prudent way. When meeting with President Jerrold Green of the Pacific Council on International Policy, the two sides discussed about the plan of co-hosting China-U.S. Relations Conference in the U.S. next year.          

Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Dunhuang Academy, Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum, the opening ceremony of Hirayama Ikuo’s Silk Road---Collections of Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum was held on August 1st in Exhibition Center for the Conservation and Research of Dunhuang Cave Relics. Hundreds of guests including Mr. Hao Yuan, Vice Chairman of Gansu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. YOKOI Yutaka, Japanese Ambassador to China, and his wife YOKOI Eiko, Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mme. Fan Jinshi，Honorary Director of the Dunhuang Academy, Mr. Wang Xudong, Director of the Dunhuang Academy, Mr. HIRAYAMA REN, Director of Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum, Mr. MIYASAKO MASAAKI, Honorary Professor of the Tokyo University of the Arts, Mr. Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of the Board of KOUZAN Fine-arts Company, Mme. Ma Yuping, Director-General of Gansu Province of Cultural Heritage, Mr. Ma Cong, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Overseas Chinese Affairs and Hongkong and Macao Affairs Office of Gansu Provincial People’s Government, Mr. Du Zhixue, Vice Chairman of Jiuquan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Bai Xingwei, Deputy Director-General of Committee for Foreign Affairs and Affairs of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Compatriots and Overseas Chinese, CPPCC Gansu Provincial Committee, and etc., attended the opening ceremony. This exhibition is one of the projects of the 3rd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. It was divided into three exhibition areas respectively with the theme of Hirayama Ikuo and Silk Spirit, Hirayama Ikuo and Dunhuang, Hirayama Ikuo and Silk Road. 170 pieces of relics from western part of Pamir Highland and 8 pieces of sketching work about Dunhuang grottos collected in the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum.  This exhibition not only displayed the magnificent Silk Road relics collected by Hirayama Ikuo in the past 40 years, but also reviewed his extraordinary life as a master painting, cultural ambassador between China and Japan, a guardian of world cultural heritage.  Ambassador YOKOI Yutaka said in his opening speech that, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship. It is at the right time and is of great significance to organize this exhibition for the bilateral relations during this period. Vice President Hu Sishe expressed, Hirayama Ikuo is an old friend of Chinese people and also is a representative of the friendship between peoples. He has been taking the lead and promoting the development of the Sino-Japanese friendship for a long time, and actively enhancing the friendship between peoples. Especially as President of Japan and China Friendship Association (JCFA) since 1992, he made great contribution to and played an important role in developing the friendly activities of peoples between China and Japan, which was highly praised by the governments and people of both countries. He hoped that this exhibition could promote the friendly exchanges between peoples and also make a positive impact on the cultural exchanges of the countries and the regions along the Belt and Road.