Statutes of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)
(Amended at the Eleventh National Council Meeting of the CPAFFC, August 2, 2024)
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 This Association is a national people’s organization of the People’s Republic of China, called the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).
Article 2 The CPAFFC upholds the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It adheres to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implements Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The CPAFFC supports the “Two Affirmations”, strengthens the “Four Consciousnesses”, fortifies the “Four Self-Confidences”, and achieves the “Two Upholds.” It unswervingly implements all decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, aligns with key national tasks, serves the overall interests of the country, and strives to comprehensively advance the construction of a strong nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.
Article 3 The mission of the CPAFFC is to enhance friendship among peoples, promote international cooperation, safeguard world peace, and facilitate shared development.
Article 4 The CPAFFC implements China’s Independent Foreign Policy of Peace and adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It aligns its work with the goals of Chinese modernization and focuses on building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. The organization engages in all-directional, multi-level, and broad-scope people-to-people diplomacy, fostering understanding and friendship between the Chinese and people worldwide, creating a favorable international environment, and contributing to the overall national development and the diplomatic agenda.
Chapter II Functions
Article 5 The CPAFFC conducts people-to-people diplomacy 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 friendships between the Chinese people and the peoples of other nations.
Article 6 The CPAFFC promotes international cooperation by establishing exchange mechanisms, creating platforms for collaboration, and furthering pragmatic cooperation in fields such as economics, science and technology, and talent, thereby creating favorable conditions for achieving mutual benefit and shared development.
Article 7 The CPAFFC facilitates people-to-people cultural exchanges and promotes the dissemination of Chinese culture abroad to facilitate mutual learning between civilizations and deepen international understanding and friendship.
Article 8 The CPAFFC is responsible for guiding, coordinating, managing, and facilitating the establishment and development of sister-city relations between China and foreign countries, promoting local and urban exchanges and cooperation. As a member of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the CPAFFC represents Chinese local governments in international cooperation.
Article 9 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.
Article 10 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 Sino-Foreign Friendship Award”, the “People’s 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.
Article 11 The CPAFFC supports and endorses the just struggles of peoples worldwide for national development, social progress, and the defense of sovereignty and security through people-to-people channels and methods.
Article 12 The CPAFFC carries out other activities related to friendly cooperation between the Chinese people and the peoples of the world.
Chapter III Membership
Article 13 The National Council adopts a group membership system. Members include central and state agencies, mass organizations, social organizations, enterprises, cultural and educational institutions, think tanks, media outlets, and local friendship associations with strong relevance to people-to-people diplomacy.
Article 14 Member organizations must abide by the statutes of the CPAFFC, undertake specific responsibilities to achieve its objectives, actively participate in the people-to-people diplomacy activities organized by the CPAFFC, and have the right to enjoy the services provided by the CPAFFC in international exchanges.
Article 15 Each member organization shall recommend representatives, known as Council Members, to form the National Council. Serving as a Council Member is a duty-based role. If the working post of a Council Member changes, the member organization shall recommend another representative, subject to the approval of the Executive Council.
Article 16 If a Council Member violates the statutes of the CPAFFC, damages its reputation, or causes harm to its work, their membership may be terminated by the Executive Council after review.
Chapter IV Organizational Structure
Article 17 The highest organ of authority of the CPAFFC is the National Council, which has a five-year term. It must hold at least one general meeting per term. The main functions of the National Council include:
(1) Reviewing the work report of the Executive Council and making decisions on the work policies and tasks;
(2) Amending the statutes based on evolving circumstances and needs;
(3) Electing the Executive Council and other leadership bodies; and
(4) Electing the President, Vice Presidents, and the Secretary-General.
Article 18 The Executive Council is composed of the President, Vice Presidents, the Secretary-General, and key leaders from provincial friendship associations. It exercises the powers of the National Council when the Council is not in session and must meet at least once a year, with the possibility of holding temporary meetings as needed. The Executive Council can make adjustments to its membership and includes one Deputy Secretary-General.
Article 19 The President, Vice Presidents, Secretary-General, and Deputy Secretary-General form the President’s Meeting, responsible for day-to-day operations. The President’s Meeting also prepares for the next National Council meeting, may call temporary meetings of the National Council and the Executive Council, and can decide on adding, modifying, or replacing member organizations and Council Members, subject to subsequent ratification by the next Executive Council meeting.
Article 20 Provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government, as well as cities, districts, and counties, may establish corresponding friendship associations as needed. These local friendship associations are guided in their work by higher-level friendship associations.
Chapter V Funds
Article 21 The CPAFFC’s funds come from:
(1) Donations from sectors at home and abroad; and
(2) Government subsidies.
Chapter VI Emblem
Article 22 The emblem of the CPAFFC consists of a plum blossom pattern and the words “Friendship”, “The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries”, and “CPAFFC.” The emblem may be displayed at office locations, event venues, and meeting places, printed on publications and souvenirs, and made into badges for wearing. The emblem must be produced and used in accordance with the CPAFFC’s regulations.
Chapter VII Supplementary Provisions
Article 23 The headquarters of the CPAFFC is located in Beijing.
Article 24 These statutes shall come into effect upon adoption by the National Council.
Article 25 The CPAFFC reserves the right to interpret these statutes.
