On January 16, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) attended and delivered a speech at the Nepal Tea-Tasting Festival in Beijing, hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in China.In his speech, Yuan emphasized that for millennia, tea has served as a vital link in the commercial exchanges between China and Nepal, bearing witness to the enduring friendship, cultural proximity, and close bond between the two countries. He noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, as well as the Nepal Visit Year 2025. The CPAFFC stands ready to work with the Embassy of Nepal in China and other Nepalese parties to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of both countries, put into action the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, and expand practical cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, and tourism sectors, to elevate China-Nepal friendship across the Himalayas to new heights.The event was attended by approximately 200 people, including Nepalese Ambassador to China Krishna Prasad Oli, diplomatic envoys from Myanmar, Pakistan, and other countries in China, as well as friendly personages from all sectors of society in both countries.

On January 15, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Japan Friendship Association (CJFA) hosted a banquet in Beijing to welcome the delegation of Japan's ruling coalition attending the 9th Meeting of China-Japan Ruling Parties Exchange Mechanism. The event was attended by Cheng Yonghua, Executive Vice President of the CJFA; Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Moriyama Hiroshi, Secretary General of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party; Nishida Makoto, Secretary General of Japan's Komeito Party; Kanasugi Kenji, Japanese Ambassador to China, and key members of the Japanese delegation.In his speech, Cheng welcomed the visit of the delegation from Japan's ruling coalition and conveyed greetings from CJFA President Tang Jiaxuan and CPAFFC President Yang Wanming. He mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Lima last November, during which they reached important consensus on comprehensively advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and working toward building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. This meeting has provided direction for the future of China-Japan relations. Cheng expressed confidence that the delegation's visit would further deepen and substantiate exchanges and cooperation between the two countries on all fronts, ensuring the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations.Moriyama Hiroshi thanked the CPAFFC for inviting him to visit China twice last year and for the thoughtful and detailed arrangements made for his visit. He emphasized that Japan and China are important neighbors, and during this visit, both sides reached positive consensus on enhancing political mutual trust and deepening people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth. The Japanese side is committed to working with China to abide by the principles established in the four political documents between the two countries, continuing to cement the political foundation of bilateral ties, vigorously conducting exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and advancing the continuous improvement and development of Japan-China relations.Nishida Makoto stated that strengthening people-to-people and youth exchanges between the two countries is crucial for the maintenance and development of Japan-China relations. He praised the CPAFFC for its long-standing active involvement in facilitating exchanges in relevant fields, including the annual exchange and mutual visit programs between young people from China and Japan. The CPAFFC has also hosted cultural and artistic events, such as the dance drama Crested Ibises and the China National Acrobatic Troupe's tour to Japan, which have been well received by the people of both countries. The Komeito Party, he noted, will continue to advance exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side across all relevant areas, contributing positively to the cause of friendship between the two countries.In his toast, Yuan Mindao congratulated the delegation on the success of their visit to China and noted that China-Japan relations are currently in a critical period of improvement and development. He expressed his hope that the delegation's visit would inject new momentum into efforts to enhance political mutual trust, expand cultural exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue improving bilateral relations. The CPAFFC and the CJFA are committed to working with all circles in both China and Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and youth friendship, and promote greater understanding and amity between the two peoples, working together to launch a new wave of exchanges and cooperation in all areas.Cheng Haibo, Vice President and Secretary General of the CJFA; Zhu Dan, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of East Asian Affairs; and Du Dingding, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau II (Northeast Asian and Indochina Affairs) at the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, also attended the event.

On January 14, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Grenada in China co-hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada. The event was attended by Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, and Hao Mingjin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, who both delivered speeches. More than 200 participants attended the reception, including Chinese Ambassador to Grenada Wei Hongtian, Vice President of the CPAFFC Shen Xin, Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu, officials from relevant Chinese ministries and commissions, members of the delegation led by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, diplomatic envoys from Latin American and Caribbean countries in China, and friendly personages from various sectors of society in China and abroad.In his remarks, Hao Mingjin stated that over the past 20 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations, China and Grenada have witnessed growing political mutual trust, fruitful pragmatic cooperation, and flourishing people-to-people and subnational exchanges. As President Xi Jinping emphasized during his meeting with Prime Minister Mitchell, maintaining and developing China-Grenada relations is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. China is ready to work with the Grenadian people from all sectors to enhance friendship and mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote exchanges and understanding. Additionally, both countries will collaborate to reinforce the solidarity of the Global South and further strengthen unity within the global community. The friendship and cooperation between China and Grenada will continue to grow, ushering in a brighter future for the friendship between the two peoples.The reception received support from institutions such as the Communication University of China, and the Belt and Road Academy (World Sinology Center) of Beijing Language and Culture University. The event featured captivating cultural and artistic performances presented by the Shandong Fashion Association, the Sound of Spring Symphony Orchestra from the Fuchunjiang Road Primary School in Qingdao West Coast New Area, Shandong Province, and young friends from China and Grenada, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

On January 10, 2025, Vice President Jiang Jiang of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Soltan Mammadov, Director of the International Relations Department at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Head of the Working Group on Azerbaijan-China Interparliamentary Relations in Azerbaijan's National Assembly, who was visiting at the invitation of the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth discussions on strengthening friendly people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation, and youth exchange between China and Azerbaijan, as well as supporting the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries.Also present at the meeting was Ibrahim Ibrahimov, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in China.

On January 8, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Mohammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman, President of the Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA), at the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth discussions on China-Brunei and China-ASEAN people-to-people exchanges.Yuan Mindao commended the BCFA for its active efforts in strengthening the people-to-people friendship between China and Brunei, as well as between China and ASEAN. He expressed the willingness to further strengthen cooperation with the BCFA, expand personnel exchanges, foster friendly interactions, and promote more fruitful outcomes in the China-Brunei friendship.Mohammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman stated that the BCFA would continue to enhance cooperation with the CPAFFC and contribute to deepening the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, advancing China-Brunei relations toward the establishment of a China-Brunei community with a shared future. Also present at the meeting were Zhu Dan, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of East Asian Affairs, and Joshua Kok Hwa Law, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Brunei Airlines.

On January 6, Vice President Jiang Jiang of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation from the Austria-China Friendship Association (ACFA), led by Susanne Kurz, former President of the Austrian Federal Council and member of ACFA's Presidium, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship between China and Austria, as well as between China and Europe, with the goal of better supporting the development of China-Austria and China-Europe relations.Also present at the meeting were Ingrid Winkler, former Vice President of the Austrian Federal Council and member of ACFA's Presidium; Hongbin Kaminski, Secretary-General of the ACFA; and Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs.

Late on December 31, 2024, as the New Year's bells were about to ring, a 27-member U.S. youth student delegation from Iowa, upon the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the U.S.-China Green Institute (USCGI), arrived in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China, to begin an 11-day visit. The delegation consisted of students and faculty members from diverse disciplines, including political science, nursing, and biology, representing five institutions such as Iowa State University and Coe College. This marked their first visit to China and their first time celebrating the New Year in the country.(Delegation arrives at Changchun Longjia International Airport late at night)On the morning of January 1, 2025, as the sun rose, the delegation visited the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the city's socio-economic development. They explored the profound cultural heritage of Changchun at the Changchun Film Studio Museum, known as the "cradle of the People's Republic of China's film industry". They enjoyed dumplings, a traditional Chinese dinner symbolizing family reunion, and toured the exquisite Zigong Ice Lantern Exhibition at the Changchun World Sculpture Park. These activities allowed the delegation to fully experience the history, culture, and landscapes of Northeast China. Zheng Gang, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province, and Gao Shan, full-time Vice President of the Jilin Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, hosted a special welcome dinner for the delegation.(Delegation visits the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall)(Delegation visits the Changchun Film Studio Museum)(Delegation enjoys dumplings)The delegation members could not hide their excitement, expressing their delight in visiting China on New Year's Day in response to President Xi Jinping's initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Celebrating New Year's Eve with the Chinese people was described as a particularly special and cherished experience. They looked forward to deepening their understanding of different regions in China during the visit and interacting with Chinese youth to forge lasting partnerships and friendships.In the next three days, the delegation will engage in professional exchanges with Jilin University, Jilin Agricultural University, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, and other organizations in the region. They will also attend the opening ceremony of the Vasaloppet China and learn about the development of winter sports in China. Following their visit to Jilin, the delegation will travel to Hebei, Beijing, Guangdong, and other regions to explore opportunities for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields, including education, agriculture, sister cities, and healthcare.

At the start of the new year in 2025, amidst the lingering winter chill and the gentle embrace of the sun, the courtyard with rich historical features of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) warmly welcomed a delegation of young students from Columbia University in the United States. Invited by the CPAFFC and organized by the Hong Kong-based China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), the delegation arrived in Beijing on New Year's Day. It was one of the first delegations from American universities to visit China this year, in response to President Xi Jinping's important initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. The delegation consisted of 27 master's degree students in international affairs and public administration from Columbia University, hailing from 17 countries around the world. They will stay in China for 10 days and visit Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and other cities.Around noon on January 2, Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC, hosted a welcome luncheon for the delegation at the CPAFFC. He welcomed the delegation's visit at the start of the new year and expressed the hope that they would visit various parts of China, gain a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the country, and share the true picture of China upon their return to the United States. In doing so, they would contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States, particularly among the youth.As they wandered through the beautiful courtyard, a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles adorned with red bricks and green tiles, the young people listened intently as Vice President Shen Xin and colleagues from the CPAFFC shared stories that intertwined the history and present-day realities of China's international friendships. All of the members expressed that they were honored to visit China on New Year's Day at the invitation of the CPAFFC. Bringing research topics from various professional fields, they looked forward to engaging fully with Chinese institutions at national, subnational, and people-to-people levels to foster mutual understanding, explore relevant issues, and build lasting friendships with Chinese youth.In the morning, the delegation visited the CICC Global Institute to discuss China's dual-carbon (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) policy, green finance development, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) trends and investment practices with young scholars. In the afternoon, the delegation visited People's Daily, touring the People's Daily History Museum and New Media Center to learn about its development history. They also participated in exchanges on international communication and new media development.In the coming days, the delegation will also engage in discussions with young students from Tsinghua University and Peking University, China's two top universities. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Peking Duck are also on the agenda. The ancient city of Xi'an and Shanghai, known as the "Magic City", will offer tailor-made itineraries, ensuring the Columbia youth experience a wealth of Chinese cultural traditions and creating lasting memories.

On December 20, 2024, the 2024 Kuliang Forum, co-hosted by the People's Daily Digital Communication and Global Times, was held in Beijing. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the event upon invitation and delivered a keynote speech.Shen Xin highlighted that the Kuliang story remains a powerful testament to President Xi Jinping's personal dedication to fostering friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples. He noted that the CPAFFC and the People's Government of Fujian Province jointly organized the Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-US People-to-People Friendship Forum and the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival. President Xi Jinping sent congratulatory letters to both events, encouraging participants in people-to-people friendship between the two countries to ontinue telling the Kuliang story and carry forward its legacy. President Xi also expressed the hope that young people from both nations would engage in meaningful exchanges, strengthen friendship, deepen mutual understanding and amity, and progress together.Shen emphasized that the CPAFFC will continue collaborating with partners from diverse sectors in both countries to draw wisdom and inspiration from the Kuliang story. By transcending cultural differences and fostering mutual trust and friendship, the CPAFFC aims to ensure that the bond between the Chinese and American peoples endures, strong and resilient, much like the thousand-year-old cedar trees in Kuliang.The forum was themed "Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust".Yu Shaoliang, President of People's Daily; Guo Ningning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Fujian Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee; Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; and Roberta Lipson, Chairperson of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, also delivered keynote speeches. Approximately 150 Chinese and American guests, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended the forum.Sun Tao, Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, accompanied Shen Xin to the event.

On December 18, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of the Congo. Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li attended the event. The event was attended by Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congoto China, who delivered speeches. Approximately 80 representatives from all sectors of society in China and the Republic of the Congo attended the event.In his address, Yan Dong praised the enduring friendship and pragmatic cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo. He noted that over the past six decades, the two nations have established an unbreakable bond, setting a benchmark for solidarity, collaboration, and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa. Yan emphasized that the CPAFFC is ready to use the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to deepen ties. By strengthening traditional friendship, facilitating people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation and youth friendship, the CPAFFC aims to make significant contributions to advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga highlighted the exceptional nature of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Congo and China stands out as a model in the history of international relations, describing it as a model in the history of international relations. He underscored the mutual trust and collaboration between the two nations across political, economic, social, and cultural domains, which have resulted in substantial progress and tangible benefits for their peoples. Nyanga expressed his hope that the spirit of solidarity and friendship will endure, guiding both nations to uphold the torch of cooperation and pass on their traditional friendship to future generations.The reception featured performances of traditional Chinese folk music, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that further celebrated the occasion.