On September 9, 2024, President Yang Wanming received Francisco J. Riberas, President of the Spain China Council Foundation and his delegation in Beijing.President Yang stated that the Spain China Council Foundation is an important partner of the CPAFFC in Spain. He highlighted their joint efforts in hosting the China-Spain Forum, which has made significant contributions to the sound and stable development of bilateral relations. He noted that the attendance of Vice Premier Liu Guozhong and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the opening ceremony of the 9th China-Spain Forum exemplifies the high regard both governments have for the forum mechanism and the promotion of people-to-people ties. He expressed the CPAFFC’s commitment to work hand in hand with the Spain China Council Foundation to effectively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the outcomes of the 9th China-Spain Forum. Together, they aim to continuously improve the forum mechanism, promote its sustainable development, and make relentless efforts to facilitate practical cooperation and people-to-people understanding between the two nations.President Riberas spoke highly of China-Spain relations and expressed his delight at the successful revival of the China-Spain Forum in collaboration with the CPAFFC. He thanked the Chinese side for the considerable efforts made in organizing this forum. He noted that this forum is high-level and wide-ranging, playing a significant role in deepening friendship and expanding cooperation between the two sides. Francisco J. Riberas emphasized that China’s high-quality development presents an opportunity, rather than a challenge, for Spain and European countries in their green transformation. The Spain China Council Foundation is eager to take this forum as a new starting point to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in local governance, economic and trade, and cultural exchanges, thereby building more consensus and strength for the friendship between the two nations.Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC and Secretary General Moreno of the Spain China Council Foundation were present during the meeting.

Since its establishment in 2003, the China-Spain Forum has successfully held eight meetings, with the strong support of the governments of both countries. Representatives from a wide range of sectors have engaged in high-level exchanges through the forum, significantly contributing to the deepening of friendly cooperation between China and Spain.On September 9, 2024, the 9th meeting of the China-Spain Forum was held in Beijing, with Vice Premier Liu Guozhong of China and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain jointly attending the opening ceremony. Participants included representatives from relevant government departments, provincial and municipal leaders, as well as executives from businesses, universities, think tanks, media, and youth organizations. The discussions centered around the theme “Towards the Next 50 Years of Spain-China Relations: Working Together to Create a Sustainable Future”, with both sides engaging in dialogue on topics such as local cooperation, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development, leading to a broad consensus.Both sides agreed that close high-level interactions between China and Spain are the fundamental guarantee for the continuous development of bilateral relations and the successful hosting of the China-Spain Forum. During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Spain in 2018, both countries jointly issued the Joint Declaration on Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Spain, which positively evaluated the significant role of the China-Spain Forum in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries, reflecting the high level of the forum and both sides’ commitment to its mechanism.Both parties affirmed that China-Spain friendly cooperation is continuously revitalizing in the new era. In the current international context, the close relationship between China and Spain benefits not only the two nations but also plays an important role in global peace, stability, and prosperity.The attending representatives proposed the following initiatives:I. Deepen Sub-national Exchanges: Continuously strengthen the bonds of common interest between China and Spain. This involves exploring mechanisms for sub-national cooperation, promoting more provinces and cities to establish sister-city relationships, and building complementary and mutually beneficial sister-city relationships. The aim is to create dynamic interactions from the central to local levels of government.II. Enhance People-to-People Exchanges: Continuously solidify the public foundation of China-Spain friendship. Both sides should respect cultural diversity and advocate for inclusiveness between civilizations, actively facilitating exchanges in culture, arts, tourism, education, language, and think tanks, thereby promoting mutual understanding and fostering dialogue between civilizations.III. Promote Sustainable Development: Continuously enrich the substance of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Spain. This includes expanding cooperation in new areas such as green energy and the digital economy, providing a fair and equitable business environment for enterprises from both sides, and encouraging more businesses to engage in bilateral investment to support green transformation and foster high-quality development.The attending representatives expressed gratitude to both nations for their significant efforts in successfully organizing the 9th meeting of the China-Spain Forum and unanimously agreed to continue exploring innovative approaches for better development of the forum.It was decided that the 10th meeting of the China-Spain Forum would be held in Spain.

On September 7, 2024, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a banquet in Beijing to welcome the visiting Japanese youth delegations, including representatives from the Japan-China Friendship Center Youth Delegation, the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association University Students Delegation, the Japan Shorinji Kempo Youth Delegation, and the Soka University Delegation. President Yang Wanming attended the banquet and delivered remarks. Vice President Yuan Mindao, Executive Vice President Zhang Qian and Vice President Jiao Yutong of Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Minister Masato Usui from the Japanese Embassy in China, along with nearly 500 participants from both China and Japan, also attended the event.President Yang welcomed the visiting Japanese youth and commended the ongoing efforts of Japan-China friendship organizations in promoting bilateral friendship, particularly in youth exchanges. He noted that China and Japan are important neighbors with a long history of close exchanges. Currently, China-Japan relations are at a critical stage of improvement and development. Last November, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to reaffirm the strategic mutual benefits of their relationship, setting a direction for future efforts to establish constructive and stable relations that meet the requirements of the new era. President Yang expressed the CPAFFC’s willingness to collaborate with Japanese friendship organizations and insightful individuals to actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, vigorously promote friendly exchanges across various fields, especially among youth, and create more platforms and bridges for dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. He also emphasized the importance of youth from both countries jointly fostering enduring intergenerational friendship and playing an active role in promoting this cause.Leaders of the Japanese delegations, including Sasaki Masafumi, leader of the Japan-China Friendship Center Youth Delegation, Wataya Risa, leader of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association University Students Delegation, Sou Yuki, leader of the Japan Shorinji Kempo Youth Delegation, Akiya Yoshihide, leader of the Soka University Delegation, and Minister Masato Usui from the Japanese Embassy in China, each expressed their gratitude for the warm invitation and hospitality extended by the Chinese side. They emphasized the importance of youth exchanges between Japan and China, and encouraged Japanese youth to seize the opportunity to gain deeper insights into Chinese society and culture, forging valuable friendships with their Chinese counterparts. They also expressed hopes that the younger generations of both nations would carry forward the legacy of friendship established by their predecessors, injecting fresh vitality into Japan-China relations.During the banquet, Japanese youth interacted with students from Tsinghua University, the Communication University of China, Beijing Sport University, and Beijing International Studies University. Four Japanese youth representatives shared their experiences and reflections on their visit. The CPAFFC also celebrated the birthdays of delegation members whose birthdays fell during the visit, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.The youth delegations from four Japan-China friendship organizations were invited under the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Strengthening Youth Exchanges between the governments of China and Japan. They visited Beijing, Shanghai, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan, to gain firsthand insights into Chinese development and culture.

On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with Vaughn Barber, Chair of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AustCham China), and his delegation. The two sides exchanged views on promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia at the people-to-people, local, and business levels.President Yang emphasized that China-Australia relations hold significant importance for the peace, prosperity, and stability of both countries and the wider world. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Australia relations have recently shown a positive trend of continuous improvement and development. President Yang noted that both sides should continue to engage in dialogue to enhance mutual understanding, reduce differences, and broaden consensus. The recent successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has systematically outlined measures for further deepening reforms, which will create new opportunities for cooperation with countries worldwide, including Australia. President Yang expressed CPAFFC’s willingness to work closely with AustCham China to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, sister-city relations, youth, culture, and other areas, thereby contributing to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia from both the people-to-people and local levels.Vaughn Barber stated that during Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia in June, both sides reaffirmed their support for the comprehensive strategic partnership, which has greatly encouraged the Australian business community. He underscored that enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of Australia and China is a vital foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral economic relations. AustCham China is honored to establish closer ties with the CPAFFC and is eager to engage in people-to-people exchange and cooperation projects, contributing to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Australia.Vice President Shen Xin was also present at the meeting.

On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with a delegation from the China Medical Board (CMB) in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on topics of common concern, including promoting cooperation in the medical and health sectors, as well as fostering friendly exchanges between China and the United States.President Yang extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highly praised the significant contributions made by the CMB to the development of China’s healthcare sector. He noted that healthcare is one of the key areas of positive cooperation between China and the United States, playing an important role in enhancing the health and well-being of the peoples of both countries. With China’s ongoing economic growth and evolving demographic trends, there are increasingly broad prospects for cooperation between China and the United States in the medical field. President Yang expressed hope that the delegation, which includes esteemed experts and leading figures from the American medical community, would seize the opportunity of the CMB’s 110th anniversary to innovate and expand healthcare cooperation with China. He further emphasized that the CPAFFC is willing to actively support and assist the CMB in its endeavors to advance cooperation in the healthcare sector.Harvey V. Fineberg, the incoming President of the China Medical Board (CMB) and former President of the National Academy of Medicine, highlighted that the CMB has a well-established foundation for cooperation with China. He emphasized that people-to-people exchanges are crucial for fostering bilateral relations and affirmed that the CMB will continue to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries, while also advancing medical cooperation between China and the United States for the benefit of both nations.Vice President Shen Xin also attended the meeting.

On September 6, 2024, President Yang Wanming of the CPAFFC met with Shakhrat Nuryshev, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on China-Kazakhstan relations and the development of friendly exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.President Yang emphasized that Kazakhstan is a friendly neighbor and a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of China. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to consolidate, and strategic alignment has deepened. The outcomes of pragmatic cooperation have been fruitful, establishing China and Kazakhstan as exemplary neighbors who engage in mutually beneficial and amicable relations. President Yang expressed the CPAFFC’s high regard for fostering people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation with Kazakhstan and affirmed the willingness to work together, seizing President Xi’s successful visit to Kazakhstan as an opportunity to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields. He emphasized the goal of building a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future, characterized by enduring friendship, high mutual trust, shared interests, and common prosperity.Ambassador Shakhrat Nuryshev extended his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC and highly commended the CPAFFC’s positive contributions to advancing Kazakhstan-China relations and strengthening people-to-people ties. He expressed Kazakhstan’s willingness to continue close collaboration with the CPAFFC to further promote people-to-people exchanges within the frameworks of China-Central Asia cooperation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).Hao Zhongwei, Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs, was also present at the meeting.

On September 4, 2024, President Yang Wanming met with Dilma Rousseff, former President of Brazil and current President of the New Development Bank, in Shanghai.President Yang highly commended Ms. Rousseff for her significant contributions to the advancement of China-Brazil relations during her presidency, and noted that the CPAFFC will take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil to further promote exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at both people-to-people and local levels.Ms. Rousseff expressed that the New Development Bank is keen to actively collaborate with the CPAFFC to jointly enhance the livelihoods and economic development of BRICS countries.Vice President Shen Xin was also present at the meeting.

On September 3, 2024, the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, hosted by the CPAFFC, took place in Shanghai. The forum’s theme was “Revitalizing Global Partnership for Sustainable Development”. Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Huang Lixin, Chair of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, and Nyonblee Kanrnga-Lawrence, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate of the Republic of Liberia, also delivered speeches at the ceremony. Vice President Shen Xin presided over the opening ceremony. The forum was attended by 75 representatives from the National People’s Congress and local people’s congresses, as well as nearly 50 legislators and former legislators from 43 countries/regions across five continents.Wang Dongming highlighted President Xi Jinping’s initiatives for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the three global initiatives, advocating for a multipolar world that promotes equality and orderly development, as well as an inclusive and mutually beneficial approach to economic globalization. He noted that the reform strategies from the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will advance Chinese modernization and provide broader development opportunities for countries/regions worldwide. He urged fellow legislators to act as guardians of global security, promoters of global development, practitioners of global cooperation, advocates for global openness, and champions of cultural exchange. He also emphasized the importance of creating sound policies and a robust legal environment to facilitate pragmatic cooperation across diverse sectors.Huang Lixin stated that Shanghai serves as a vital window for the world to observe China. Currently, in alignment with President Xi Jinping’s strategic positioning, Shanghai is focusing on the construction of the “Five Centers” and accelerating its development into a world-class socialist modern metropolis. This effort aims to make a positive contribution to global peace, stability, friendly relations among peoples, and socio-economic development. Huang emphasized that the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress actively practices the significant concept of whole-process democracy, striving to provide strong legal guarantees for the construction of a people-centered city. He expressed a desire to further strengthen friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with parliaments from countries and regions worldwide, deepening mutual learning and support across diverse fields to jointly promote high-quality development.Yang Wanming emphasized that enhancing friendship among peoples, promoting international cooperation, maintaining world peace, and facilitating common development are the core missions of the CPAFFC. Fostering people-to-people ties to enhance state-to-state relations is the guiding principle of the CPAFFC, and it is also what inspired the establishment of the Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. He expressed a commitment to work together to transform the forum into a platform for dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation, and fostering closer ties between peoples. Yang encouraged all participants to utilize the forum to write a new chapter in friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and other nations, revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development and working towards building a community with a shared future for humanity, thus better benefiting the peoples of all countries.Nyonblee Kanrnga-Lawrence remarked that Liberia appreciates the significant support the People’s Republic of China has provided since the establishment of diplomatic relations, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic growth. The Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges and related activities offer an excellent opportunity for legislators from different countries to establish connections and share experiences, illustrating that China’s success stories are rooted in steadfast vision and belief. She stressed that achieving sustainable development necessitates long-term goals, tailored development models for individual countries, policy coherence, widespread citizen participation, and strong execution capabilities. She expressed hope that the forum would help participants from all countries strengthen friendships with China and deepen cooperation.Participants engaged in lively discussions on a range of topics, including global development and economic recovery, global security and lasting peace, inclusive mutual learning and cultural diversity, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and global partnerships for sustainable development, social equity and common prosperity, democracy and the rule of law, climate change and environmental protection, and poverty eradication and sustainable development.Prior to the forum, the Shanghai municipal government organized visits for foreign guests to several significant locations, including the conference hall of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, the Pudong Reform and Opening-up Theme Exhibition, the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Shanghai Tower, COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., Wufang Village, the Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve, the Shanghai Aquatic Wildlife Conservation and Research Center, and the Sino-Dutch Modern Agricultural Innovation Park, allowing visitors to gain firsthand insights into Shanghai’s practices of Chinese-style modernization.

On September 3, 2024, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a dialogue meeting with European legislators in Shanghai, with the theme of “Contributing to Deepening the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. Yang Wanming, President of CPAFFC and Esther Gil, third deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of Spain, attended the event and delivered opening remarks. Approximately 100 representatives from Chinese and European legislative bodies, as well as think tanks, universities, and the business community participated in the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC presided over the meeting.President Yang emphasized that China-EU relations are crucial for the welfare of both peoples and for global peace and development. He pointed out that the purpose of this dialogue meeting, held as part of the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, was to exchange views on how to develop sound and stable China-EU relations in the new global context, build consensus, enhance mutual trust, and promote cooperation. Yang highlighted the current international landscape, marked by instability and complex challenges, and stressed the importance of China and Europe working together. He called for a correct understanding of the China-EU relationship, the need to maintain its proper positioning, and an adherence to principles of openness and mutual benefit. Yang also emphasized tightening the bonds of shared interests, deepening cultural exchanges, fostering mutual engagement between the peoples, and strengthening collaboration to address global challenges. This, he said, would help drive the continued development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.Esther Gil remarked that Europe and China are major players and shapers of global affairs. He noted the significance of both sides coordinating positions and actions on key global issues such as climate change, green transformation, and biodiversity. He expressed a strong desire for Europe and China to respect each other, build mutual trust, jointly uphold the international order based on international law, and promote peace, security, and prosperity globally.Representatives from both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as developing a clear understanding, deepening cultural exchanges, and advancing pragmatic cooperation. There was a broad consensus that China-EU relations hold strategic significance and global influence. Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening communication, enhancing understanding, and ensuring the stability and longevity of China-EU relations, ultimately contributing to global peace and development.

On August 30, 2024, President Yang Wanming hosted a welcome reception in Beijing for representatives from countries attending the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges (hereinafter referred to as the “Forum”). The reception was attended by 42 legislators from 36 countries/regions, and was presided over by Vice President Shen Xin.President Yang welcomed the attendees and highly praised their efforts in fostering relations with China. He noted that in today’s era of globalization, countries are more interconnected than ever, facing many global challenges such as economic development, climate change, public health, and poverty eradication. He stressed the importance of mutual support and cooperation among nations. Yang pointed out that international legislative exchanges and cooperation are critical for countries to share experiences, engage in intellectual discourse, enhance friendship, and maintain the correct direction in global governance. The CPAFFC aims to work with international legislators and friendly individuals to create a leading platform for international cooperation, amplifying the collective voice of legislators in improving global governance and contributing to a peaceful, cooperative, and win-win future for all nations.Alexander Milkovic, a member of the Serbian Progressive Party, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Serbian Parliament, and a member of the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, responded on behalf of the foreign legislators. He acknowledged the current turmoil in the world and stated that the Forum’s themes are closely related to the interests of all nations. He emphasized the importance for parliaments and legislators from all countries to maintain dialogue and mutual understanding in order to overcome challenges and obstacles, which is a common goal for all. Milkovic expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit China and particularly thanked the CPAFFC for providing this dialogue platform, looking forward to engaging in discussions to enhance friendship among nations.The welcome reception featured cheerful Chinese folk music, fostering a vibrant and amicable atmosphere. Artists from the Beijing Vocational College of Opera and Arts performed classic pieces such as “Xi Yang Yang (Joyful)”, “Bu Bu Gao (Rising Higher Step by Step)”, and “Mu Min Xin Ge (New Song of the Herdsman)”. International legislators also experienced displays of intangible cultural heritage, including carved lacquer, hairy monkeys, paper-cutting, sugar painting, kites, and a selection of local snacks.