On 23th of June, Mr. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs, met with Mr. William Woo, Brazilian Federal Congressman, Secretary General of Brazil-China Friendship Group in Brazilian Senate, and President of Brazil-China Friendship Association. Mr. Ji extended his warm welcome to Mr. Woo for his visit to CPAFFC and expressed his willingness to strengthen the communication with Brazilian National Congress, as well as Brazil China Friendship Association. Moreover, Mr. Ji invited Mr. Woo to lead a delegation to participate the 5th Friendship Forum between China and Latin-America and the Caribbean countries, which will be held in Hangzhou, September, 2015. Mr. Woo expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ji for the encounter and briefed the general work of Brazil-China Friendship Association in recent two years. He hoped to work with CPAFFC to promote China-Brazil cooperation in different areas.

  According to the “General Agreement Between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Podar Enterprise” signed during President Li Xiaolin’s visit to India last September, a 15-member Youth Delegation dispatched by the Podar Enterprise paid a friendship visit to Beijing and Shanghai between 9th and 19th June at the invitation of our association. During its stay in China, the delegation visited the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the Headquarters of Confucius Institute, Chinese Academy of Governance, Beijing Urban Planning and Exhibition Hall, Shijia Hutong Museum, Shanghai History Museum, Shanghai International Fashion Center, as well as companies,such as the Founder Group and the Hanergy Holding Group Ltd.. These visits helped them learn more about traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese characters, Chinese way of governance, corporate culture of China’s university-enterprise and private enterprise, and deepened their understanding and good feelings about China.   The delegation stayed on the campus of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), and was accompanied by USST students throughout their Shanghai visit. Various activities like lessons on Chinese language, lectures on Chinese economy, practicing Baduanjin (traditional Chinese healthy exercise), learning Chinese calligraphy, Chinese knots-making and paper cutting, brought Chinese culture closer to Indian youth. The friendly exchange was highlighted by  Indian students’ brief introduction and demonstration of Indian dance and yoga to Chinese students. Mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and Indian university students have been furthered through close association and various communication activities during the 6-day visit.  

The 2015 China-Europe Culture Forum: Special Exchange Exhibition of China-Europe Papermaking and Printing Cultures, jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Nurnberg-Erlangen Confucius Institute, the Nurnberg Museum of Industrial Culture, Hangzhou Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, will be open to public from June 18 to October11 at the Nurnberg Museum of Industrial Culture. Hu Sishe, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Zhang Peng, Deputy Director-General of the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Dr. Peter Schonlein, former Mayor of Nurnberg, Matthias Murko, Curator of the Museum of Industrial Culture, and Dr. Yan Xu-Lackner, Director of the Nurnberg-Erlangen Confucius Institute, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, together with about 100 participants including representatives of the Nurnberg city government and council, personages of the political, business and cultural circles, citizens and students interested in Chinese culture, as well as journalists, who also visited the exhibition after the ceremony.   In his speech at the opening ceremony, Vice President Hu Sishe said, papermaking and printing technologies are the two important inventions out of the four Chinese ancient innovations, whereas Germany is known for its modern printing industry. China and Germany both are great contributors in the history of papermaking and printing development of human civilization. This year’s exhibition will present to European audience the long history of Chinese papermaking and printing and their fusion and rejuvenation in modern context, as a part of cultural dialogue between West and East, in Nurnberg, on modern printing and publication.Over the years, the China-Europe Culture Forum has committed to further mutual understanding between the two sides and promote interactions and cooperation among local governments and various walks of life, which all proved to be fruitful. With the continuous development of the friendly relations between China and Germany, the two sides will keep on exploring new fields and mechanisms to expand and deepen the content of China-Europe Culture Forum, so as to make new contribution to consolidating and enhancing people-to-people cultural exchanges between China and Germany.   Dr. Peter Schonlein said in his speech, like an old German saying, which goes “not a single piece of paper can be inserted in between the two”, as a metaphor to those that have very much in common, Germany and China share much more in common than their differences. Especially, the two countries actively work to cooperate in arts, culture, eduction and academic researches, and, with increased exchanges and deepened friendship, has reached better mutual understanding and trust and profound respect to each others’s cultural heritage and achievement.   The 2015 China-Europe Culture Forum: Special Exchange Exhibition of China-Europe Papermaking and Printing Cultures also brings craftsmen of the renowned Hangzhou Shizhuzhai Print Art Company and the Huabaozhai Print Art Company to give on-site demonstration of block printing and traditional Chinese papermaking, which draws the attention of many visitors who admire and experience the Chinese technology. The delegation also met with Dr. Peter Schonlein, former Mayor of Nurnberg, and Christine Vogel, Deputy Mayor of Nurnberg, and had discussions with managers of the Landskron-Schneidzik Gallery and curator of Nurnberg Municipal Liberary, on issues of sustainable development of cooperation projects.    

The 14th Lecture Tour by African Ambassadors, sponsored by the CPAFFC and organized by Jiangxi Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was held in Nanchang, capital city of Jiangxi Province on 16 June, 2015. H.E. Michael Kinyanjui, Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. Mr. Ringo F. Abed, Ambassador of Namibia, H.E. Getrude Kasuba Mwape, Ambassador of Zambia, H.E. Horace Ankrah, Deputy head of mission of Ghana, Mr. Afework Shimelis Legesse, Minister Counselorof Embassy of Ethiopia and the officials from relevant department of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government and the businessmen totaling about 200 guests attended the function. During the function, the ambassadors and diplomats introduced the overview of investment of their countries, expressed their hopes to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation with China especially with Jiangxi and extended their warm welcome of Chinese businessmen to invest in Africa. Mr. Zhou Pingjian, Deputy Director-General of African Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry introduced the China-Africa cooperation. On 15 June, Mr. Qiang Wei, Secretary of Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the CPC met with the delegation. Qiang said that the cooperation between Jiangxi and the five African countries had developed quickly, investment amount had increased year by year, and the cooperation potential was large. He wished to take the lecture tour as an opportunity to further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship, to encourage more Jiangxi companies to invest in Africa, so as to enlarge the cooperation with the five countries and Africa at large.    The delegation also paid a study tour to Xiaolan Economic-Technological Development Zone, Zhongding International Engineering, China Jiangxi Corporation for International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Jingdezhen Ceramics Culture Creative Park.  

  On June 15th, Ms. Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with the delegation of China-Greece Economic and Cultural Development Promotion Association headed by Mr.Petros Tatoulis, President of Peloponnese Region of the Hellenic Republic. Vice President Lin extended her welcome to Mr. Tatoulis for his visit to China, and briefed him about the functions of the CPAFFC and progress made on sister cities establishment and NGO exchanges. Ms. Lin hoped that CPAFFC  would enhance friendship and strengthen pragmatic cooperation with China-Greece Economic and Cultural Development Promotion Association as well as Peloponnese Region in fields of food safty, culture exchanges, etc. under the strategic framework of the "One Belt One Road" initiative. Mr. Tatoulis expressed his gratitude to CPAFFC for receiving the delegation. He believed there would be broad prospects for local cooperation between the two countries. He hoped both countries could make positive efforts to promote interna-tional cooperation in the area of common concerns through opportunities brought by the "One Belt and One Road" Initiative. He also hoped to work with CPAFFC to co-establish the Olympic Cities Alliance.

The celebration activity of the 70th anniversary of Swiss and Chinese Association & the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China was held in Basle on June, 13th, 2015.  About 300 personages in various areas including Hu Sishe, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC), H.E. Mme. Xu Jinghu, Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland, Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister, Thomas Wagner , President of Swiss and Chinese Association, Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, former Swiss Federal Councilor, Felix Gutzwiller, Chairman of Committee of Foreign Affairs of Federal Assembly, Jean-Jacques De Dardel, Swiss Ambassador to China, Uli Sigg, , Dominique Dreyer ,  Blaise Gode, former Swiss Ambassadors to China , attended the activity. Vice president Hu Sishe expressed his warm congratulation on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Swiss and Chinese Association and admired the important function and dedication of the association to promoting the people-to-people friendship and local pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. He said, China Switzerland relation is developing smoothly in recent years and the cooperation in various fields has entered into a fast lane. Premier Li Keqiang visited Switzerland in January this year, and reached an important consensus with the Swiss national leaders on deepening two countries’ pragmatic cooperation in various fields, which pushes forward the relation between the two countries and creates new development opportunities. CPAFFC will join hands with Swiss and Chinese Association to make unremitting efforts on promoting the cooperation between the two countries in various fields.   Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter spoke highly of the great comprehensive achievements that Switzerland and China have acquired. He admired Swiss and Chinese Association for its contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and people’s friendship. He said, Switzerland cherishes the relationship and cooperation with China and looks forward to constantly scaling new height of two countries` relationship, with the inspiration of pioneer and mutual respect.   Ambassador Xu Jinghu said in her speech, China-Switzerland relation has been keeping pace with the time for 65 years and shows innovative, pragmatic and equal features. She believed that under the joint efforts, China-Switzerland relations would reach a new height at the new starting point of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties of China and Switzerland.   President Thomas Wagner said that the traditional friendship of China and Switzerland is the solid foundation and important power for the development of the two countries’ relations. He also expressed that Swiss and Chinese Association would like to further the exchanges and cooperation with CPAFFC, so as to make new contribution to promoting the development of China-Switzerland relations in a sustainable and healthy way, as well as to expanding and deepening bilateral pragmatic cooperation.   This year is the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations of China and Switzerland. CPAFFC will hold a reception marking this event in September. By then, the delegation from Swiss and Chinese Association will visit China and President Thomas Wagner will be invited to make a review  on China-Switzerland relations.  

  On June 12th, Vice President Song Jingwu of CPAFFC met with Mr.Jacques AUXIETTE, new French President of Sino-French Forum Joint Committee and President of Regional Council of Pays de la Loire, France, and his delegation. Vice President Song congratulated Mr. AUXIETTE on his new appointment, and appreciated the guidance and promotion by Sino-French Forum Joint Committee in organizing Sino-French Forum successfully for four times, which flourishes the Sino-French local cooperation. Vice President Song said that Sino-French local cooperation is an indispensable part of China and France’s high-level culture communication system, and it should draw more attention from high officials of both countries. For the Fifth Sino-French Forum which will be held in Chengdu, Vice President Song expressed his wish that the two countries’ presidents can attend the opening ceremony of the Forum by the effort of Joint Committee from both sides. Mr. AUXIETTE fully agreed with Vice President Song’s view. He also stated that local cooperation between China and France can be enhanced in various areas. The Sino-French cooperation has gained rich achievements in economy, culture, tourism, etc. by now. As the society advances, in the future, there are great cooperation potentials in two countries’ new focus, such as health, elderly care, vocational training and language learning. Mr. AUXIETTE claimed that, as the new French President of Sino-French Forum Joint Committee, he will actively cooperate with CPAFFC to raise up the Sino-French cooperation level by effective coordination within French institutions.

On June 12th, the CPAFFC and the Myanmar Embassy to China jointly hosted the reception in celebration of the 65th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties at the Peace Palace of CPAFFC. Mr.Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of CPPCC National Committee, Mme.Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr.Liu Jianchao, Assistant Foreign Minister, Mr.Geng Zhiyuan, President of China-Myanmar Friendship Association(CMFA), Mr.U Thit Linn Ohn, Ambassador of Myanmar to China, together with other representatives from all circles of life and diplomats from ASEAN countries’ embassies to China attended the reception with about 130 people in total. Vice President Lin Yi said in her speech that China and Myanmar are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and the people-to-people friendship enjoyed a time-honored history. The Pauk-Phaw friendship has been deeply rooted in the two peoples’ hearts.Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1950, on the basis of “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence”, the China-Myanmar good-neighborly and friendly relations has developed smoothly and harvested fruitful outcomes. China is willing to join the concerted efforts of Myanmar side to put more content to the China-Myanmar Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and make joint efforts for the creation of new international relations with equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation as core contents. Mme Lin also made positive comments on the CMFA’s outstanding work under the leadership of President Geng Zhiyuan and hoped more friends from society to join in the China-Myanmar people-to-people friendship cause! Ambassador U Thit Linn Ohn said in his speech that Myanmar and China established diplomatic relations on 8th June 1950. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the people of our two countries had enjoyed close and friendly relations. In the recent years, Leaders from both countries had exchanged frequent visits and both leaders had the will and enthusiasms to further strengthen our ties through economic, trade and investment cooperation. Ambassador U Thit Linn Ohn emphasized that Myanmar and China were co-founders of “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” and we needed to maintain the common border area as one of the peace, stability and prosperity area in accordance with these principles. Vice Chairman Wang Qinmin and Ambassador U Thit Linn Ohn had a short meeting.

  Premier Li Keqiang talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday with  representatives of the third summit of the Global CEO Council. [Photo by Wu Zhiyi / China Daily] Premier Li meets heads of leading global companies Premier Li Keqiang said China is confident of keeping its annual growth rate around 7 percent for a fair period of time by persisting with its reform and opening-up and tapping its huge potential. While meeting with international business leaders on Tuesday, Li said conditions still exist for China to sustain its growth at a "medium-to-high level" despite the economy‘s current slowdown. Li said he drew his confidence from the fact that large areas are yet to be developed in central and western China, reflecting the gap between the relatively industrialized coastal areas and those regions. "If the Chinese economy could expand at around 7 percent this year, it would translate into an incremental volume of about $800 billion,” he said. The premier made the remarks when meeting with members of the Global CEO Council in Beijing. The council, an organization set up in 2013 by the Chinese People‘s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, includes 14 global corporate leaders from the manufacturing, natural resources, energy, machinery, agriculture, finance, banking, pharmaceutical, aviation, engineering, logistics and information technology sectors. Li admitted there will be "twists and turns" as foreign companies try to expand business in China, but he said China‘s opening-up into a better-integrated global economy will not be held back. Foreign-invested companies in China should be one of the powers maintaining the medium-to-high growth of the Chinese economy, Li said. Additionally, in a bid to attract more foreign investors, the Chinese government will further open market access, provide better financial services and step up intellectual property rights protection, Li said. "Sectors in high-end manufacturing and the service industry in particular will be opened wider to foreigners," he said. Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and chief executive of Alcoa, the largest US producer of aluminum, said he looked forward to China‘s push to upgrade its economy. He added that he believed there are tremendous opportunities for his company to cooperate with China in automotives and aerospace, which are seeing increasing demand for lightweight metal and materials. "Premier Li is a very distinguished economist and he has very valid views … And I think it is decently well understood that the current administration wants to change the pattern in China to have a more consumption- and innovation-driven and more value-added economy," he said. Lloyd Blankfein, chairman and chief executive of US investment bank Goldman Sachs Group, said he anticipated further liberalization of the Chinese economy. "Every day I wake up to another announcement about another liberalizing move. I think it is important for China to do so," he said. Blankfein said that the idea of economic cycles, which China is not immune to, should be taken into consideration. "China has achieved a very high growth rate at some cost … so growth has to be absorbed, mistakes have to be corrected and bad investments have to be written off in order to have another stage of rapid growth," he said.

Jointly sponsored by CPAFFC and Embassy of the Philippines in Beijing, reception in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and the Philippines was held in Beijing on June 9th, 2015. Vice President Lin Yi of CPAFFC, Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio of the Philippines to China, together with around 300 guests from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Embassy of the Philippines, diplomatic corps and relevant institutions attended the celebration. In her speech, Madame Lin Yi said that China and the Philippines are neighbors across the sea. Thousands of years of friendship exchanges are our great treasures.  On the same day 40 years ago, the then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Philippine President Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos signed the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, opening a new page for the bilateral relationship. The past 40 years explicitly reflected the fact that if the two sides uphold sincerity, manage and control disputes in an active and appropriate way, the bilateral relations will further develop and move forward in a healthy way. We believe that the China-Philippines relations will come back to normal at an early date with our joint efforts.  This is not only in accord with the common interests of our two countries and peoples, but also conducive to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region. Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio expressed deep gratitude to CPAFFC for its unremitting efforts in furthering the bilateral relations in past decades. She also said that the Philippines and China will continue to pursue every avenue available to promote relations in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, and in various multilateral and regional undertakings, a sign of our integration in a world larger than the Philippines and China together, built on our common goals and shared aspirations for peace, development and the prosperity of our two nations, our region and the community of nations.