About Us

The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) is a national people’s organization of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy. Its mission is to enhance people’s friendship, promote international cooperation, safeguard world peace, and facilitate common development. On behalf of the Chinese people, the CPAFFC forges and deepens relationships across the international community and with individuals from all countries. It lays the social foundation for friendly relations between China and other nations and is committed to the cause of human progress and global solidarity. The CPAFFC implements China’s Independent Foreign Policy of Peace and adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It engages in multi-directional, multilevel, and broad-scope people-to-people diplomacy to contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and the building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.

The key tasks of the CPAFFC include:

■ To promote friendly exchanges between China and other countries by organizing mutual visits, commemorations, and exchange events such as seminars, talks, and forums to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and foster friendship between the Chinese people and peoples of other nations.

■ To advance international cooperation by establishing exchange mechanisms, creating collaboration platforms, and promoting practical cooperation in fields such as economics, science and technology, and talent, creating favorable conditions for achieving mutual benefit and shared development.

■ To organize people-to-people cultural exchanges and promoting the dissemination of Chinese culture abroad to facilitate mutual learning between civilizations and deepen international understanding and friendship.

■ Entrusted by the government, the CPAFFC oversees and coordinates the establishment and development of sister-city relationships between Chinese and foreign cities, promoting exchanges and cooperation at the local level. As a member of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the CPAFFC represents Chinese local governments in international cooperation.

■ As a non-governmental organization with general consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), the CPAFFC participates extensively in UN affairs, collaborates in activities organized by other international NGOs, shares China’s stories, and amplifies its voice.

■ To strengthen people-to-people friendship between China and other countries, establish friendship associations focusing on different regions and countries, and maintain contact with international individuals, organizations, and social groups that support friendly relations with China. The CPAFFC presents such as the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award”, the “Outstanding Contribution to China-Foreign Friendship Award”, the “Friendship Ambassador” title, and the “Outstanding Contribution to Sister City Relations Award” to honor organizations, individuals, and local governments that have made significant contributions to promoting friendship.

■ To support and endorse the just struggles of the peoples worldwide for national development, social progress, and the defense of sovereignty and security through people-to-people channels and methods.

■ To carry out other activities related to friendly cooperation between the Chinese people and the peoples of the world.

Founded on May 3, 1954, the CPAFFC was initiated by ten national public organizations. It was originally named the Chinese People’s Association for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries. In 1966, it became the Chinese People’s Friendship Association for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and in 1969, it adopted its current name. The CPAFFC is headquartered in Beijing, with local friendship associations established across provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, cities, districts, and counties throughout China.

The CPAFFC National Council convenes every five years to elect the Executive Council, which includes the President, Vice Presidents, and the Secretary-General.

On August 2, 2024, the 11th National Council of CPAFFC elected its new Executive Council, with Yang Wanming currently serving as President.