On the morning of May 15th, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), China-Japan Friendship Association (CJFA), Jiangsu Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Japan-China Friendship Association jointly held the conference commemorating 20th anniversary of China and Japan collaborating to restore Nanjing walls, aiming for Memorizing History, Safeguarding World Peace, Enhancing Friendship, and Joining Hands to Create Future. Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, Wu Xijun, Vice President of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Chu Yonghong, Deputy Mayor of Nanjing and Sakai Tetsuo attended the conference and delivered speeches respectively. In her speech, Vice President Lin Yi thanked the Chinese and Japanese personages from all circles for their long-term attention and efforts on restoring Nanjing walls. She said, during the 20 years, the activity of restoring Nanjing walls not only restored the cultural heritage which suffered from devastation and war, but also has built a great wall of peace and friendship in two peoples’ heart. She said, this year is the 70th anniversary of the world anti-fascist war and the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Summarize Past, Exploit Future, Memorize History, No More Wars is the common wish of the two peoples. May peace and friendship maintain in two peoples’ especially the youth’s mind, through recalling the history and deepening the understanding on the importance of the peace between China and Japan, so as to pass peace and friendship from generation to generation. Vice President Sakai of JCFA said in his address, 20 years ago in 1995, it was the 50th anniversary of WWII. As everyone knows, the Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama pronounced Murayama Statement which represents the decision of the Japanese cabinet meeting. In Murayama Statement, Japan sincerely apologized to the Asian people including the Chinese and Korean people, and reflected on the great harm that the war brought to the people. Murayama Statement and the initiative of restoring Nanjing walls raised by Ikuo Hirayama, the late president of JCFA are fully  suitable of the 50th anniversary of WWII. Vice President Sakai said, the Abe Statement which will be pronounced in Aug.15th in this year, the 70th anniversary of WWII attaches worldwide attention. The Japanese people look forward that Abe Statement would completely inherit the content of Murayama Statement from the former successive Japanese government, and wish the meeting of the heads of Japan and China could be continued after the two meetings before. Wang Xiuyun, Director-General of Department of Japanese Affairs of CPAFFC, Hirayama Michiko the wife of Hirayama Ikuo, persons in charge of headquarter of JCFA, friendly personages from both China and Japan, representatives from all circles, university students from Nanjing, about 100 Japanese university students, in all over 400 people attended the commemorative conference.          

The Sixth China-US Relations Conference, hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Texas A&M University, co-hosted by Peking University Health Science Center and the Texas Medical Center was held from May 11 to 13 in Houston, Texas, United States. The participants include Mr. Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and president of China-US People’s Association, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai to the U.S., President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC, Vice Minister Liu Qian of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Neil Bush, third son of former U.S. President George H.W.Bush and president of the Points of Light Foundation, President Michael Young of Texas A&M University, Mayor Annise Parker of Houston, Thomas Frieden, Director of U.S. Centers for Disease Control. U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Bidden sent congratulatory messages respectively to the conference. President Obama said “The world we live in today is a community of nations. The United States and China are dedicated to realizing a future that shines with the health of all people---one we will only reach by working together. In addressing global health challenges, America and China have a common interest of historic consequence. Together, America and China can rise to the challenges of our changing world and meet our moral obligations.” Vice President Bidden said that the cooperation between U.S. and China on global issues like infectious diseases are doing the ground work for US-China relations, and will benefit all people. Xu Kuangdi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference. He spoke highly of the great impact that the past five China-US Relations Conferences have made and highly commended President George H.W. Bush’s consistent efforts and contribution to the development of China-US relations and the growth of China-US friendship, as well as Neil Bush’s efforts in carrying on this conference forward. He also praised the great efforts that the hosting organizations---the CPAFFC and Texas A&M University have done. He pointed out that in the 21st century, the world is faced with increasing nonconventional security and global challenges. It is crucial for China and the U.S. to work together in combating the common challenges, which is pivotal for peace and progress of mankind. In her speech, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin said that ever since 2003 when the conference was initiated by former U.S. President George H.W Bush, it has grown into an important platform where people from the political, economic, academic and other fields exchange ideas and hold dialogue on bilateral and global issues. The theme of this year’s conference is “Global Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Preparedness and Response”. This is the first time that the China-US Relations Conference focuses on a particular issue of global nature. In the future, the conference will also cover the areas of the food safety and security, and environmental protection. Ambassador Cui Tiankai said in his remarks that as two largest economies and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China and the U.S. are having effective cooperation in such areas as the world economy, counter-terrorism, disaster prevention and relief, and prevention of infectious diseases, including helping the West African countries fight against Ebola Crisis. This year’s conference is about the cooperation of China and the U.S. on global infectious diseases. It is an important part in the building of a new model of China-US major country relationship. He hoped that professionals from various fields of the two countries will play their unique role and contribute to China-US exchange and cooperation. As the co-chair of the conference, Neil Bush said that the conference is an important legacy from his father George H.W. Bush, which is aimed at promoting better understanding, closer relations, and better cooperation between the two great nations in the 21st century. He will carry on his father’s legacy to work for US-China relations and the future development of the conference. During the conference, over 400 government officials, experts and business leaders attended the conference and held in-depth discussion on national preparedness of public health, emergence response, prevention and control of infectious diseases like Ebola, and the role of private sector in the global health response system. They also brought up constructive proposals on the future cooperation of China and the U.S. in relevant fields. Before the conference opens, Xu Kuangdi, Li Xiaolin, Cui Tiankai and Li Qiangmin paid a visit to President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush at Neil Bush’s home in Houston.

To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Denmark, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Royal Danish Embassy co-hosted the Conference on China-Denmark Agriculture Cooperation and Efficient Use of Natural Resources on 11 May at the Great Hall of the People. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the CPAFFC, and Mr. Manu Sareen, Danish Minister for Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social Affairs, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. About 200 people including Mr. Zhang Tianzuo, Director General of the Department of Sectoral Policy and Law, Ministry of Agriculture of the PRC, Mr. Hou Daijun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Nature and Ecology Conservation, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Mr. Esben Egede Rasmussen, Executive Director General of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Mr. Kristoffer B?ttzauw, Executive Deputy Director General of the Danish Energy Agency, and government officials, agriculture and environmental protection experts and scholars, enterprise representatives of the two countries attended the Conference. The attendees exchanged views on agricultural policy, food safety, cooperation in agricultural production throughout the value chain, environmental protection, and renewable energy. Conference participants also witnessed the signing of seven agreements covering the fields of energy, innovation, agriculture, dairy products, and education. As Copenhagen Fur has provided Xin Hualu Primary School in Xinzheng City of Henan Province with various teaching and learning opportunities, Xinhualu Primary School presented an work of graphic art made by themselves to His Excellency the Danish Ambassador to China, with the good wish for a fruitful and even closer friendship between China and Denmark.

  On May 11, Vice President Xie Yuan met former president of New Zealand-China Friendship Society (NZCFS), Professor William Edward Willmott and his Chinese garden delegation. Mr.Xie extended warm welcome to the delegation visiting China. He highly praised Professor Willmott and his family for their outstanding contributions to promote friendship between China and New Zealand over many years. Willmott thanked CPAFFC for its constant support to NZCFS. During their trip, the group held discussions with relevant institutions and visited Chinese gardens in different cities, which not only helps enhance mutual friendship but also increases their understanding about China in terms of social development and environmental protection. Willmott was born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, he regarded China as his first hometown. In 1921, his parents came to Sichuan as Canadian missionaries. They brought western medicine to the local people, initiated the West China School of Medicine of Sichuan University and gave significant supports to the anti-Japanese war and work of communist party of China. In Sichuan, the delegation visited West China School of Medicine of Sichuan University and exhibition of old photos themed “Chengdu,my home”, which records stories when the missionaries lived in Sichuan. Xie stressed that CPAFFC would as always continue to promote various exchanges between China and New Zealand, and welcomed Willmott to visit China in September and attend the activities in commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory of the World Anti-Facist War. New Zealand ambassador to China John Mckinnon attended the meeting. The delegation also visited former residence of Rewi Alley in CPAFFC after the meeting. 

Richard Wagner: Music is like an ideal bond linking up human beings. Robert Schumann: Listen carefully to all folk music, because they are the treasure containing the most beautiful melody; they can broaden your horizon and sharpen your insights into various national character types. “I will listen to it again and again and again and again.” Said by a 4-year-old girl holding Chinese music DVD in hands after the performance. On May 7th, 2014, The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) officially launched the "Qin-Tai" Project at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, USA. The project aims to promote understanding and enhance friendship between China and the rest of the world through music and cultural exchanges. On the evening of the launching ceremony, eight classic pieces of traditional Chinese music transported the audience to the spectacular territory of Chinese culture. The traditional Chinese musical instruments on display such as the Guqin, Erhu, Bamboo flute, Pipa, Ruan, Sheng were masterfully played by 18 excellent artists. The repertoire performed brought the essence and classic charm of Chinese music to life, receiving great applause from the audience after the hour long performance. The performance won applause and cheering from the audiende every now and then during the performance, showing their great respect to Chinese music. On the evening of May 8th, New York City was glittering with sunset glow. “Qin-Tai” came to the terrace of Goldman Sachs headquarters. Players from China National Orchestra brought a breathtaking performance to over 150 Wall Street elites by playing seven classic Chinese music pieces. The name “Qin-Tai” originated from a Chinese music-related story "high mountain and running water", which refers to understanding and appreciative friends. It is said that Yu Boya was a music master who used to play music at Qin-Tai. Woodcutter Zhong Ziqi heard and well-understood Yu's music. As a result, they became confidants. Time flies, when Yu acknowledged that Zhong died of illness, he was so sad that he crashed his piano in front of Zhong’s grave and never played piano since. By coincidence, when playing The Battle of Chu in Goldman Sachs, while Pipa player immersed in the music, one string was broken. The audience cannot help feeling that it recalled the story, and it recalled the original intension of “Qin-Tai” project -- forming friends around the world through music. As the last piece ended, the audience stood up and gave a standing ovation to performers. John Rogers, Manager Director of Goldman Sachs, said emotionally: “trees cannot grow into the sky, but music can！” "Qin-Tai", the people to people diplomacy project formally launched in Atlanta, USA by CPAFFC during "the 1ST Sino-US Media Round Table" , which was jointly organized by CPAFFC and the Information Office of the State Council of the P.R China. “Qin-Tai”　was launched in The World of Coca-Cola, a place that collects the 125-year-old secret recipe, and then it entered Goldman Sachs headquarters, the world’s modernest skyscraper. Chinese music, with more than 2000 years history, open the ancient and classic picture in the foreign lands. When classic met modern, east met west, culture was interchanged, and spark was gained. We expect "Qin-Tai" to bring the essence and elegance of Chinese music as well as the beauty and depth of Chinese culture to every corner of the world. We hope it will spread understanding of China’s splendid culture and help us tell the world our "China Dream" story through traditional Chinese music.

On May 11th, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Royal Danish Embassy jointly held a Celebration Banquet for the 65th anniversary of China-Denmark diplomatic relations at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Mme. Yan Junqi, Vice Chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee, Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Foreign Minister, Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Mr. Liu Qi, Vice Administrator of National Energy Administration, Mr. Manu Sareen, Danish Minister for Children, Gender Equality, Integration and Social Affairs, Mr. Petersen, Danish Ambassador to China, together with around 500 guests from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Civil Affairs, State Bureau for Letters and Calls, National Energy Conservation Center, CPAFFC, Certification and Accreditation Administration, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Royal Danish Embassy, and enterprises and media of both countries attended the Dinner. Vice President Song Jingwu and Minister Manu Sareen delivered speeches. Mme. Yan Junqi and Minister Manu Sareen jointly unveiled the commemorative envelop for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Denmark. Musical and ballet performance was staged Chinese and Danish artists. Before the Dinner, Mme. Yan Junqi met with Minister Manu Sareen, Ambassador Petersen and other VIP guests. She said that currently the relations between China and Denmark are at its best. China is ready to take the 65th anniversary as an opportunity, on the basis of mutual respect and win-win outcomes, strengthen cooperation in various fields and push forward bilateral relations with Denmark. Meanwhile, Denmark is welcome to take part in the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, so as to realize win-win cooperation.

At the invitation of Edouard FRITCH, President of French Polynesia, and Dave Bromwich, President of New Zealand China Friendship Society, the CPAFFC delegation led by Secretary-General Li Xikui paid visit to French Polynisia and New Zealand from May 4 to 10, 2015. During the visit in Tahiti, the delegation met with Mr. Lionel BEFFRE French High Commissioner, President Edouard FRITCH, Mr. Marcel TUIHANI, President of Assembly, and attended the Inaugural Ceremony of Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods in Hao Island. In Auckland, the delegation met with representatives of NZCFS and the Chair of Youth Committee of NZCFS. The visit not only extends the friendly relationship between CPAFFC and French Polynesia, but also shows our support in promoting Chinese enterprises going out for investment in other countries. The connection with NZCFS has also been strengthened.     Delegation meeting with French High Commissioner Lionel BEFFRE   Delegation meeting with President Edouard FRITCH Delegation meeting with President of Assembly Marcel TUIHANI Li Xikui remarking on the Inaugural ceremony of Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods Inaugural Ceremony of Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods  

  At the invitation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport of Seychelles and Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association, H.E. Mr. Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, President of the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association, visited Seychelles and Zimbabwe from May 1 to 8, 2015.   During the visit in Seychelles, the delegation met with Vice President Danny Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan, Designated Minister for Community Development, Social Affairs and Sport Vincent Meriton, Mayor of Victoria Jacqueline Moustache-Belle and Chairperson of Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marco Francis. In Zimbabwe, the delegation met with Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mabel Chinomona and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing G. S. Mlilo, and attended the reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, etc. The delegation also held talks with Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association    

At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Vice Chairman of CPPCC and Honorary President of CCAFA Mr. Chen Yuan visited Uzbekistan from May 6th to 8th, 2015. During the visit , Mr. Chen Yuan met with Mr. Azimov Rustam, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan, Mr.Rakhimov Saidakhmat, Chairman of the Board of National Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Mr. Nurdinjon Ismailov, Speaker of the lower house of parliament. This visit is significant of promoting the cooperation of the both countries. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the CPAFFC，went to accompany him.

On May 7th, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin met with delegation headed by NUKAGA FUKUSHIRO, President of Heisei Kenkykai (Heisei Research) from Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and the former minister of finance of Japan. President Li Xiaolin said, at the last year’s APEC and this year’s Asian African Summit Indonesia， the Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. China-Japan relationship is improving step by step. This year is the 70th anniversary of the world anti-fascist war and the victory of the Chinese people''s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. China-Japan relation is facing challenges. The key of the issue of history is to reflect on the history honestly, and to avoid the recurrence of historical tragedy. She wished Japan to handle the issue properly and join hands with China to maintain the positive improving momentum of China-Japan relation. NUKAGA FUKUSHIRO thanked the CPAFFC for its well-organized arrangement for the delegation. He said, it is gratified to see the rise of the improving momentum of China-Japan relation after the meeting of the national leaders between the two countries. Japan will insist on the position the Japanese successive cabinets hold on historical issues. Japan and China are neighboring countries and both large countries.  Heisei Kenkyukai is deeply influenced by former Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei, and will continuously devote for the improvement and development of China-Japan relation. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Wang Xiuyun, Vice President of China-Japan Friendship Association and Director-General of Department of Japanese Affairs, YAMAMOTO YASUSHI, Minister of the Japanese Embassy in China were present at the meeting.