On December 4, 2024, President Yang Wanming met with Alberto van Klaveren Stork, Chile's Foreign Affairs Minister, and his delegation at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).President Yang remarked that China and Chile are trusted friends and strong partners in win-win cooperation. He noted that Chile has always been a pioneer among Latin American countries in fostering relations with China, achieving many significant milestones. The frequent interaction between the two heads of state has have paved the way for new and further development of the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership. Yang highlighted that the peoples of China and Chile share a long history of friendship, with the Chile-China Cultural Association being the first organization for friendship with China in Latin America. This mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples have laid a solid foundation of public support for the sustained growth of bilateral relations. Noting that the following year will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Yang expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to seize this opportunity with Chile in advancing the consensus reached by both heads of state. He emphasized the need to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, scientific and technological innovation, and other sectors, as well as between subnational entities and young people, and constantly expand the dimensions of the high-level bilateral relationship between the two countries.Alberto van Klaveren Stork stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970, Chile and China have seen their bilateral relations develop at a high level, with fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and other fields. He noted that next year will not only mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations but also the 20th anniversary of the Chile-China Free Trade Agreement and the 10th anniversary of Chile Week China—all significant milestones worth celebrating. Over the years, the CPAFFC has played a vital role in enhancing understanding and friendship between the peoples of both nations, earning widespread recognition. Chile, he said, will continue to work closely with the CPAFFC to advance traditional friendships and expand people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation, particularly at the subnational level.Vice President Shen Xin, Director-General Sun Tao of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, Deputy Director-General Qu Yuhui of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chilean Ambassador to China Mauricio Hurtado attended the meeting.

On December 4, the 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum was held in Beijing. It was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), under the support of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development and other organizations. President Yang Wanming, accompanied by Vice President Shen Xin, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.In his address, President Yang highlighted that the world today is far from tranquil, with ongoing geopolitical conflicts and volatile regional situations. He emphasized that peace and development are the common aspirations of humanity and critical global issues. Bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the people both in China and abroad, President Xi Jinping proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, along with initiatives such as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, offering new solutions to address shared global challenges. In recent years, the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind has evolved from a Chinese initiative into a global consensus. This vision is being translated into action, driving the world towards a future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.President Xi Jinping has also pointed out that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable, long-term international relations and a continuous driving force for world peace and development, said President Yang. He expressed the hope that experts and scholars from think tanks around the world work with the CPAFFC to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship between China and other nations. Together, they can make meaningful contributions to mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese people and the people of other countries, common development and mutually beneficial cooperation, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.More than 60 think tank representatives from Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania attended the forum. They discussed topics such as global governance and international cooperation, China-US relations following the US presidential election, global artificial intelligence (AI) governance, China-EU cooperation, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and human rights development.

On December 4, 2024, President Yang Wanming met with the President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).President Yang extended a warm welcome to Walker. He noted that China-US relations is entering a new phase under changing circumstances. In light of the challenges and uncertainties ahead, maintaining communication, dialogue, and exchange is crucial. The CPAFFC will continue to foster stability in China-US relations, particularly at the local, youth, and cultural levels. Additionally, President Yang expressed his gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its support to projects related to China's rural revitalization and China-US youth exchanges, and welcomed the Ford Foundation's continued support for cooperation in these areas moving forward.Darren Walker thanked the CPAFFC for its vital support in advancing the Ford Foundation's work in China. He emphasized the Ford Foundation's commitment to continuing its collaboration with the CPAFFC to contribute to strengthening friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples.CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin and Mattie Bekink, Chief Representative of Ford Foundation Beijing Office, also attended the meeting.

On December 2, 2024, President Yang Wanming met with Jacobo Pombo García, President of the Global Youth Leadership Forum (GYLF), at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The two leaders engaged in an in-depth and cordial exchange of views on youth exchanges and people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries.Also present at the meeting were Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Carl Singh, a friendly figure from Costa Rica.

On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a reception in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Albania. Tie Ning, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, attended the event. Together with CPAFFC President Yang Wanming and ambassadors of the seven countries in China, Tie Ning unveiled the commemorative envelope marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the seven Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Around 200 participates attended the event, including representatives from Chinese ministries and commissions, universities, think tanks, businesses, as well as diplomats from the seven embassies in China and members of China's business, education, and cultural sectors. Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC, moderated the reception.In his speech, Yang Wanming highlighted that the seven CEE countries were among the first to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, through the concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have grown stronger. Political mutual trust has deepened, economic and trade cooperation has flourished, people-to-people ties have become more solid, and subnational exchange have thrived. Taking this 75th anniversary as an opportunity, he stressed the need to strengthen partnerships while preserving the original spirit behind establishing diplomatic relations; deepen strategic alignment, expand practical cooperation, prioritize people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights. The CPAFFC is ready to collaborate with the friendship organizations of the seven countries and people from all sectors of society to create more opportunities for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultrual exchanges, and youth friendship, contributing to the further development of China's relations with the seven countries.Diplomatic envoys from the seven countries in China reflected on the longstanding friendship between their nations and China in their speeches. They praised the remarkable progress made in bilateral relations over the past 75 years. Looking ahead, they expressed their commitment to continuing to respect each other politically, pursue mutual benefits, and foster exchanges and mutual learning between cultures, thereby deepening and expanding cooperation with China in all areas.During the reception, the Duke String Quartet from Central Conservatory of Music performed renowned Chinese and European pieces, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and China UnionPay Co., Ltd. held the signing ceremony for their strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing. The ceremony was attended by CPAFFC President Yang Wanming and Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee of China UnionPay Dong Junfeng. The agreement was signed on behalf of both parties by CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin and Executive Vice President Hu Haozhong of China UnionPay. Prior to the signing ceremony, President Yang Wanming met with Secretary Dong Junfeng, engaging in in-depth discussions on potential areas and models for future cooperation between the two organizations.Founded in March 2002, China UnionPay has become one of the world's three major bank card brands and plays a fundamental role in the development of China's banking industry. Its acceptance network spans 183 countries and regions  globally, with UnionPay cards issued in 83 countries and regions abroad. Through this agreement, the CPAFFC aims to form a strong partnership with China UnionPay, leveraging each other's respective strengths. The two parties will collaborate to explore new avenues for cooperation, broaden the scope of their partnership, and promote people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and foreign youth. Additionally, they will explore the possibility of jointly organizing people-to-people friendship exchange activities. During the event, the US-China Youth and Student Exchange Association also signed a cooperation memorandum with UnionPay.Sun Tao, Director of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC,  Luo Yongtao, General Manager of the Brand Marketing Department of China UnionPay, and others also attended the signing ceremony.

On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held its second Seminar on People-to-People Diplomacy in Beijing, under the theme "Pooling Strength for People-to-People Diplomacy, Serving Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics." The event was attended by approximately 150 representatives from central government agencies, national ministries and commissions, people's organizations, universities, think tanks, media, and businesses.In his speech at the opening ceremony, Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy, as an integral part of the country's overall diplomatic efforts, has played a crucial role throughout various historical phases in China's development. On October 11, General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a significant address during a meeting with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. He highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people friendship to advance global peace and development. In his speech, General Secretary Xi elaborated on China's commitment to leveraging the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy in the current global landscape. This includes building a community with a shared future for mankind, guided by the spirit of "shared responsibility as dwellers of the same planet", and embracing win-win cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness. The purpose of this seminar was to fully implement the principles outlined in General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech on people-to-people diplomacy. The event aimed to unite efforts from various parties to strength people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, and youth friendship between China and other nations. The seminar also sought to make constructive proposals for advancing high-quality development in people-to-people diplomacy, ensuring that it better serves China's broader development goals and diplomatic strategy in the new era.Yang Wanming further emphasized the need to advance people-to-people diplomacy by adhering to the core principles of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, particularly the guidelines set forth by General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding this field. He reiterated the importance of upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and understanding the political significance of people-to-people diplomacy. It is essential to prioritize the welfare of the people, remain focused on the fundamental objectives of such diplomacy, and ensure that the efforts contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world.Following the opening ceremony, the seminar featured six roundtable dialogues. Participates had in-depth discussions on topics such as strengthening people-to-people friendship between China and other countries, enhancing the vitality of local sister city relationships, and promoting the Global Civilization Initiative. All parties agreed that, in the current global context, people-to-people diplomacy plays an increasingly important role, gaining greater prominence and a wider platform. It was acknowledged that there is a need to uphold fundamental principles while forging new pathways, gathering insights, and expanding people-to-people exchanges with foreign countries across multiple dimensions, levels, and sectors. This collaborative effort is seen as essential in solidifying public support for fostering friendly and cooperative relations between China and the international community.

On November 27, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Nicholas O'Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth discusses on topics of common concern such as China-Ireland relations, people-to-people friendship, and practical cooperation.Yang Wanming congratulated Ambassador Nicholas O'Brien on his new appointment and spoke highly of the progress in China-Ireland relations. He noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Under the strategic guidance and joint promotion of their respective heads of state, China and Ireland have achieved sound and steady growth in bilateral relations, marked by fruitful cooperation across various fields. Yang emphasized that the CPAFFC will continue to maintain close communication with the Embassy of Ireland in China and work to provide active support and valuable platforms for enhancing China-Ireland subnational cooperation, enriching people-to-people exchanges, and boosting youth exchanges. He reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to contributing people's strength to the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation.Ambassador Nicholas O'Brien expressed his gratitude to President Yang for the meeting and praised the deep and enduring friendship between Ireland and China, reaffirming Ireland's commitment to the one-China principle. He highlighted the frequent high-level exchange between the two nations in recent years and the increasing depth of bilateral cooperation in key areas such as economy, trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The ambassador also commended the CPAFFC for its essential role in fostering Ireland-China relations and strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. Looking forward, Ambassador O'Brien expressed his willingness to work closely with the CPAFFC to further broaden and deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation between Ireland and China in all fields.Director-General Hao Zhongwei and Deputy Director-General Zong Linhong of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC attended the meeting.

On November 27, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation from the Turkish-Chinese Women's Friendship and Culture Association (TCWFCA), led by its President Tan Ataç, at the CPAFFC.Yang Wanming expressed his gratitude to the TCWFCA for its longstanding efforts to deepen the friendship between the peoples of China and Türkiye over the years, especially for its focus on promoting exchanges in women's circles. He emphasized that China and Türkiye, both ancient civilizations, share a rich history of connectivity through the Silk Road, which has linked the two nations for thousands of years. Yang highlighted that under the guidance and commitment of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, China-Türkiye relations have continued to develop steadily, with pragmatic cooperation deepening across a wide range of fields. He stated that the CPAFFC places great importance to exchanges and cooperation with Türkiye and is willing to work together with friends from all sectors of society in Türkiye, including the TCWFCA. Yang reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to building more bridges between the Chinese and Turkish peoples, consolidating their traditional friendship, fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and enhancing practical cooperation.Tan Ataç highlighted the time-honored friendship between Türkiye and China, noting that the TCWFCA was founded to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries. She expressed appreciation for the CPAFFC's support over the years, which has enabled the association to organize a variety of activities aimed at promoting friendship and exchange between the two nations. Looking ahead, Tan said the TCWFCA is eager to continue working closely with its Chinese counterparts, encouraging more Turkish people to visit China, learn more about China and experience China firsthand.CPAFFC Vice President Yan Dong, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of Asian and African Affairs Ji Yongjun, and Ambassador of Türkiye to China Dr. İsmail Hakkı Musa attended the meeting.

From November 21 to 25, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation on a working visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK). During this visit, Yang attended the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Seoul Conference held in Seoul at the invitation of Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the BFA, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future.In his speech at the conference, Yang Wanming elaborated on China's philosophies and proposals, including building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Yang emphasized that under current global conditions, advancing towards a shared future for humanity requires efforts in three key dimensions: enhancing confidence, building consensus, and expanding mutual trust. He urged all parties to view the current and future world with a broader vision and a more open mind and have confidence in the future of the world. To foster a fairer, more orderly, and more inclusive international environment, which is a common expectation of all parties, consensus should be forged on upholding multilateralism, supporting the role of the United Nations and improving global governance. People-to-people diplomacy plays a significant role in fostering consensus. The CPAFFC will build more bridges of people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultrual exchanges and youth friendship, and work with all parties to move towards a future featuring people-to-people connectivity, sustainable development, harmonious coexistence, and ever-lasting friendship.During the conference, Yang Wanming met with Ban Ki-moon for an in-depth discussion on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the CPAFFC and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation in areas such as youth exchanges, climate change, and sustainable development. Yang also attended the welcome banquet hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI).During his visit, Yang Wanming held separate meetings with several key figures, including Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROK; Yoo Jeong-bok, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City; and Kim Byung-min, Deputy Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government. Yang also held working talks with Shin Jung-seung, President of the South Korea-China Friendship Association; Seo Cheong-won, President of the Korea-China Friendship Association; Lee Jong-kook, Executive Vice-President of the Korea Foundation; Qu Huan, Head of the Korea China Association for Cultural Exchange; Chung Ku-chong, Chairman of the Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Council; Lee Hee-sup, Secretary-General of the TCS; and Fang Kun, Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in the ROK. These discussions covered China-ROK relations, people-to-people friendship, and exchanges and cooperation in public opinion and culture and among think tanks, young people, and subnational entities, which led to positive consensus on future cooperation. Yang also participated in activities related to the China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Affinity Cultural Festival in Suwon City, themed "Korean Traditional Culture and Kashgar Charms".Yang Wanming emphasized that China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperative partners. Over the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relationship between the two countries has seen rapid growth, with fruitful exchanges and cooperation in multiple fields, delivering tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples. At present, with joint efforts from the two governments and people from all sectors, China-ROK relations are showing a positive trend of improvement and development. Yang highlighted the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru. The two leaders reached an important consensus on promoting the sound and steady development of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership, setting the direction for the long-term development of bilateral relations and all-around exchanges and cooperation. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to engage in activities that enhance friendship and intensify exchanges in areas such as media, academia, sub-national governance, and especially among youth. Yang pledged that the CPAFFC would act on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, take advantage of opportunities such as the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in the ROK in 2025, and continue to carry out initiatives to enhance friendship and expand cooperation between the two countries. The CPAFFC will work ceaselessly to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in cultural, media and academic areas and among subnational entities and young people, in a bid to cement public support for the sustainable improvement and development of China-ROK relations.Participants from sectors of society on the ROK side said that as important neighbors, the development of friendly relations between the ROK and China is of great immediate and far-reaching significance. It is encouraging that the two heads of state successfully met in Lima and reached an important consensus on developing ROK-China relations and promoting people-to-people exchanges. They expressed the readiness to take this opportunity to build on the sound momentum and work with the CPAFFC to enrich the contents of institutional exchange programs between the two sides, break new ground, attract more young people to participate, and continue to deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation, contributing to the development of ROK-China relations.