On December 12, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Zafar Uddin Mahmood, President of the Understanding China Forum, at the CPAFFC.Yuan Mindao warmly welcomed Zafar Uddin Mahmood's visit and commended his long-standing dedication to promoting China-Pakistan friendship. He acknowledged Mahmood's significant contributions to fostering exchanges and practical cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Zafar Uddin Mahmood expressed his strong commitment to further strengthening the bond between Pakistan and China. He pledged to actively promote the establishment of organizations dedicated to friendship with China in relevant cities across Pakistan and to contribute to the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.Xu Yan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs, also attended the meeting.

From December 7 to 11, 2024, the 4th China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue took place in Hubei. The event's wrap-up meeting was attended by nearly 100 participates, including Wang Xingyu, Vice Chairman of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to China; Alfred Burimaso, Chargé d’Affaires at BurundianEmbassy in China; and youth representatives from China and African countries.In his address, Yan Dong highlighted that at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese and African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and championing the Global South modernization. He emphasized the critical role of young people in this endeavor, noting that: as partners for development cooperation, youth must offer their insights to shape a prosperous future; as partners for people-to-people exchanges, they are pivotal in fostering and strengthening enduring friendships; as partners for green development, young leaders are tasked with advancing sustainability and fulfilling shared mission. Yan assured participants that the CPAFFC would continue to build bridges for youth friendship, inspiring the younger generation to carry forward the cause of people-to-people friendship.Wang Xingyu reiterated China's unwavering commitment to being a reliable friend and sincere partner of African nations on their journey toward development and revitalization. He affirmed Hubei Province's dedication to enhancing cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, science and technology, and education while deepening people-to-people exchanges to elevate China-Africa relations to new heights.Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga underscored the alignment between the goal of building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era and the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He encouraged young Africans and Chinese to adopt an open-minded approach to this vision, working together toward a more peaceful and prosperous future.During the event, youth representatives from 14 African countries visited Wuhan and Yichang, witnessing firsthand the practical implementation of Chinese modernization. They engaged in discussions and exchanges with local Chinese youth and expressed admiration for China's development model. Many noted that Chinese modernization offers valuable lessons for Africa's independent development. They pledged to bring the insights gained in Hubei back to their respective countries and work toward achieving modernization that benefits a broader population.The China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue, launched in 2021 by the CPAFFC under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, has become a key institutional platform for fostering youth exchanges and collaboration. To date, four sessions have been successfully held.

On December 7, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Yale-China Association (U.S.A.) Hunan Representative Office took place at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended and addressed the event upon invitation.In his remarks, Shen Xin highlighted the historic friendship fostered by people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, emphasizing Yale-China's pivotal role. Over a century ago, Yale-China crossed the Pacific to establish medical and educational institutions in Hunan, including the renowned Xiangya Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, and Yali High School. These institutions have significantly influenced modern medicine and education in Hunan and across China. The establishment of the Yale-China Association (U.S.A.) Hunan Representative Office represents a new phase of bilateral cooperation and heralds a new chapter in China-US friendship. Shen expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with Yale-China, Xiangya Hospital, and other institutions to promote exchanges between young medical professionals and students from China and the US, ensuring the enduring legacy of China-US friendship.Founded in 1901 by Yale University alumni, Yale-China promotes friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American peoples through diverse exchange programs in education, medical, health care, public service, and culture.The ceremony was attended by over 100 participates, including Li Jiancheng, President of Central South University, Christopher Green, U.S. Consul General in Wuhan, Laurence Bates, Chair of the Yale-China Board of Trustees; and descendants of Edward Humeand Yan Fuqing families, founders of Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine. Other attendees included representatives from education, medical, and healthcare sectors in China and the US.

On December 5, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Anthea Heffernan, Counselor for Regional Cooperation in China at the British Embassy in China; and Catriona Radcliffe, Head of the Scottish Government Office in China. The meeting, held at the CPAFFC, focused on enhancing people-to-people, subnational, and youth exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK.Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, also attended the meeting.

On December 3, 2024, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a Seminar on Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Chinese and French Civilizations and the Launching of "A Century of Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between Chinese and French Civilizations" Publication Project in Beijing. The event was attended by Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Florent Aydalot, Counselor for Cultural and Educational Cooperation at the French Embassy in China; and Hao Zhensheng, President of the Chinese Society of Editors, all of whom delivered speeches. Professor Hu Sishe, a member of the Standing Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presented a keynote report.During a roundtable discussion, Chinese and French guests shared their insights on "Civilization Dialogue and Long-Lasting Friendship: Century-Old History and Future Prospects of Exchanges and Mutual Learning between Chinese and French Civilizations". Approximately 50 university educators, students, and journalists from China and France attended the event.Focusing on the rich outcomes of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, literature, and education over the past century, the publication project "A Century of Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between Chinese and French Civilizations" aims to further deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and French civilizations.

At the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a delegation of 99 Japanese university students, organized by the Japan-China Friendship Center and led by Professor Akegi Shigeo of the School of Global Studies at Chukyo University, visited Beijing, Guangxi, Guangdong, and other regions in China from November 24 to 30.On November 25, the CPAFFC hosted a welcome dinner for the delegation. The event was attended by Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Cheng Haibo, Vice President and Secretary General of the China-Japan Friendship Association; and UsuiMasato, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in China. They encouraged the visiting students to engage actively with their Chinese peers, develop an interest in and support the cause of China-Japan friendship, and dedicate their youthful energy to fostering stronger bilateral relations.During their stay, the delegation visited Beijing International Studies University and the Guilin University of Aerospace Technology, participating in academic and cultural exchanges. They also toured historical and cultural sites and gained insights into China's green and low-carbon development practices, as well as China's rural revitalization initiatives.This visit was conducted under the framework of the Memorandum on Enhancing Youth Exchanges between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China. The delegation included students from over 40 universities across Japan, most of whom were visiting China for the first time.

On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Gabon in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Gabon. The event was attended by Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Baudelaire Ndong Ella, Gabonese Ambassador to China, who each delivered speeches. Approximately 350 representatives from all sectors of society in China and Gabon attended the event.In his speech, Yan Dong highlighted the achievements in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between China and Gabon. He emphasized the CPAFFC's contributions over the past 70 years in fostering stronger ties and practical collaboration between China and countries worldwide, including Gabon. Yan expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to use the 50th anniversary as a new starting point to further deepen ties with Gabon across all sectors. He reiterated the association's role as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, and youth friendship, pledging continued efforts to strengthen the China-Gabon comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.Chen Xiaodong noted that over the past five decades, China and Gabon have consistently stood by each other, weathering challenges together and building a profound and enduring friendship. He highlighted the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September, where Chinese President Xi Jinping, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and other African leaders delivered a resounding message of solidarity and shared progress between China and Africa. The summit underscored the strong commitment of Global South countries to unity and cooperation, presenting a blueprint for advancing modernization together. Chen affirmed China's readiness to work closely with Gabon and other African nations to implement the outcomes of the summit swiftly and bring tangible benefits to the people of both regions.Baudelaire Ndong Ella praised the historical foundations of the friendly relations between China and Gabon, established by the previous generation of leaders from both countries. Under the strategic leadership of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and President Xi Jinping, bilateral relations have experienced steady and sustained growth. He noted that China has become Gabon's largest trading partner and emphasized the fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation in recent years. Gabon remains firmly committed to the one-China principle and actively supports initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These efforts showcase the Global South's contributions to addressing the challenges facing humanity and advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.The reception concluded with captivating cultural performances by Chinese and Gabonese artists, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that symbolized the enduring bond between the two nations.

On November 27, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Marco Bettin, Secretary General of the Italy China Council Foundation (ICCF), and his delegation at the CPAFFC.Both sides expressed positive views on the state of China-Italy relations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close contact to further promote exchanges and cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade, culture, subnational exchanges, and youth engagement. They emphasized the importance of leveraging people's efforts to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and Italy, contributing to the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs, attended the meeting.

On November 25, Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), welcomed a 75-member delegation from Japan's Kansai business community at the CPAFFC.Yuan Mindao expressed his warm welcome to the large delegation, marking their first visit to China in 12 years. He thanked the Kansai economic community for its longstanding dedication to China-Japan friendship, its active participation in China's reform and opening up process, and its valuable contributions to fostering exchanges and practical cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan. He also acknowledged their role in promoting the continuous improvement and development of China-Japan relations.Yuan highlighted that President Xi Jinping recently met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, the capital of Peru. During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the all-round promotion of China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit and will work together to build a constructive and stable relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, thus charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. Yuan further stated that the CPAFFC and the China-Japan Friendship Association are eager to collaborate with people of insight from all sectors of society in Japan, including the Kansai economic community, to vigorously promote friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in the subnational exchanges, economic, trade, and cultural fields, and contribute to the steady and sustained growth of China-Japan relations. Yuan concluded by wishing great success to Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.Yoshiyuki Miyabe, deputy head of the delegation and Representative Director of the Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, along with other delegation members, also delivered remarks. They expressed gratitude to the CPAFFC for its pivotal role in facilitating people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Japan and China over the years. They stressed that Japan and China are important and inseparable neighbors, particularly in today's complex and challenging international environment. Strengthening economic and trade cooperation and deepening people-to-people exchanges, they noted, are more important than ever. The delegation expressed their willingness to take this visit and Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai as opportunities to enhance exchanges and deepen cooperation with China, contributing to the sustainable development of Japan-China relations.

On November 17, 2024, the Global Multinational Corporations Summit—The 14th International Roundtable of Multinational Corporations' Leaders was held in Beijing. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the parallel forum of the China-Australia Business Leaders Roundtable and delivered a keynote speech.In his speech, Shen Xin highlighted the significance of 2024, making the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's state visit to Australia and the establishment of the China–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past decade, China-Australia economic and trade relations have seen ups and downs, but their mutually beneficial nature has remained unchanged. Shen pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, China and Australia have formed more than 100 pairs of sister provinces, states, and cities. He specifically cited Guangdong and New South Wales, the first pair of sister province/state between the two nations, which continues to maintain active contact and hold joint economic meetings. He remarked that while it is often said that business should focus solely on business, experience has shown that the sound and stable development of China-Australia economic and trade relations relies heavily on the friendship between the two peoples and local support. He expressed hope that, as bilateral economic and trade cooperation advances, the Chinese and Australian business communities will act as champions of friendship, helping strengthen public support for China-Australia relations.The Global Multinational Corporations Summit—The 14th International Roundtable of Multinational Corporations' Leaders was co-hosted by the China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. The event featured speeches delivered in person or via video link by notable figures, including Wang Yiming, former Deputy Director of the Development Research Center of the State Council; Xu Guanghong, Deputy General Manager of COFCO Corporation; Philip Ruddock, former Federal Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs of Australia; Warwick Smith, former Federal Minister for Sport of Australia; and Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce.