On January 8, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Mohammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman, President of the Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA), at the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth discussions on China-Brunei and China-ASEAN people-to-people exchanges.Yuan Mindao commended the BCFA for its active efforts in strengthening the people-to-people friendship between China and Brunei, as well as between China and ASEAN. He expressed the willingness to further strengthen cooperation with the BCFA, expand personnel exchanges, foster friendly interactions, and promote more fruitful outcomes in the China-Brunei friendship.Mohammad Firdaus bin Abdul Rahman stated that the BCFA would continue to enhance cooperation with the CPAFFC and contribute to deepening the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, advancing China-Brunei relations toward the establishment of a China-Brunei community with a shared future. Also present at the meeting were Zhu Dan, Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of East Asian Affairs, and Joshua Kok Hwa Law, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Brunei Airlines.

On January 6, Vice President Jiang Jiang of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation from the Austria-China Friendship Association (ACFA), led by Susanne Kurz, former President of the Austrian Federal Council and member of ACFA's Presidium, at the CPAFFC. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship between China and Austria, as well as between China and Europe, with the goal of better supporting the development of China-Austria and China-Europe relations.Also present at the meeting were Ingrid Winkler, former Vice President of the Austrian Federal Council and member of ACFA's Presidium; Hongbin Kaminski, Secretary-General of the ACFA; and Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the CPAFFC Department of European and Asian Affairs.

Late on December 31, 2024, as the New Year's bells were about to ring, a 27-member U.S. youth student delegation from Iowa, upon the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the U.S.-China Green Institute (USCGI), arrived in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China, to begin an 11-day visit. The delegation consisted of students and faculty members from diverse disciplines, including political science, nursing, and biology, representing five institutions such as Iowa State University and Coe College. This marked their first visit to China and their first time celebrating the New Year in the country.(Delegation arrives at Changchun Longjia International Airport late at night)On the morning of January 1, 2025, as the sun rose, the delegation visited the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the city's socio-economic development. They explored the profound cultural heritage of Changchun at the Changchun Film Studio Museum, known as the "cradle of the People's Republic of China's film industry". They enjoyed dumplings, a traditional Chinese dinner symbolizing family reunion, and toured the exquisite Zigong Ice Lantern Exhibition at the Changchun World Sculpture Park. These activities allowed the delegation to fully experience the history, culture, and landscapes of Northeast China. Zheng Gang, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province, and Gao Shan, full-time Vice President of the Jilin Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, hosted a special welcome dinner for the delegation.(Delegation visits the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall)(Delegation visits the Changchun Film Studio Museum)(Delegation enjoys dumplings)The delegation members could not hide their excitement, expressing their delight in visiting China on New Year's Day in response to President Xi Jinping's initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Celebrating New Year's Eve with the Chinese people was described as a particularly special and cherished experience. They looked forward to deepening their understanding of different regions in China during the visit and interacting with Chinese youth to forge lasting partnerships and friendships.In the next three days, the delegation will engage in professional exchanges with Jilin University, Jilin Agricultural University, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, and other organizations in the region. They will also attend the opening ceremony of the Vasaloppet China and learn about the development of winter sports in China. Following their visit to Jilin, the delegation will travel to Hebei, Beijing, Guangdong, and other regions to explore opportunities for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields, including education, agriculture, sister cities, and healthcare.

At the start of the new year in 2025, amidst the lingering winter chill and the gentle embrace of the sun, the courtyard with rich historical features of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) warmly welcomed a delegation of young students from Columbia University in the United States. Invited by the CPAFFC and organized by the Hong Kong-based China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), the delegation arrived in Beijing on New Year's Day. It was one of the first delegations from American universities to visit China this year, in response to President Xi Jinping's important initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. The delegation consisted of 27 master's degree students in international affairs and public administration from Columbia University, hailing from 17 countries around the world. They will stay in China for 10 days and visit Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and other cities.Around noon on January 2, Shen Xin, Vice President of the CPAFFC, hosted a welcome luncheon for the delegation at the CPAFFC. He welcomed the delegation's visit at the start of the new year and expressed the hope that they would visit various parts of China, gain a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the country, and share the true picture of China upon their return to the United States. In doing so, they would contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States, particularly among the youth.As they wandered through the beautiful courtyard, a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles adorned with red bricks and green tiles, the young people listened intently as Vice President Shen Xin and colleagues from the CPAFFC shared stories that intertwined the history and present-day realities of China's international friendships. All of the members expressed that they were honored to visit China on New Year's Day at the invitation of the CPAFFC. Bringing research topics from various professional fields, they looked forward to engaging fully with Chinese institutions at national, subnational, and people-to-people levels to foster mutual understanding, explore relevant issues, and build lasting friendships with Chinese youth.In the morning, the delegation visited the CICC Global Institute to discuss China's dual-carbon (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) policy, green finance development, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) trends and investment practices with young scholars. In the afternoon, the delegation visited People's Daily, touring the People's Daily History Museum and New Media Center to learn about its development history. They also participated in exchanges on international communication and new media development.In the coming days, the delegation will also engage in discussions with young students from Tsinghua University and Peking University, China's two top universities. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Peking Duck are also on the agenda. The ancient city of Xi'an and Shanghai, known as the "Magic City", will offer tailor-made itineraries, ensuring the Columbia youth experience a wealth of Chinese cultural traditions and creating lasting memories.

On December 20, 2024, the 2024 Kuliang Forum, co-hosted by the People's Daily Digital Communication and Global Times, was held in Beijing. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended the event upon invitation and delivered a keynote speech.Shen Xin highlighted that the Kuliang story remains a powerful testament to President Xi Jinping's personal dedication to fostering friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples. He noted that the CPAFFC and the People's Government of Fujian Province jointly organized the Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-US People-to-People Friendship Forum and the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival. President Xi Jinping sent congratulatory letters to both events, encouraging participants in people-to-people friendship between the two countries to ontinue telling the Kuliang story and carry forward its legacy. President Xi also expressed the hope that young people from both nations would engage in meaningful exchanges, strengthen friendship, deepen mutual understanding and amity, and progress together.Shen emphasized that the CPAFFC will continue collaborating with partners from diverse sectors in both countries to draw wisdom and inspiration from the Kuliang story. By transcending cultural differences and fostering mutual trust and friendship, the CPAFFC aims to ensure that the bond between the Chinese and American peoples endures, strong and resilient, much like the thousand-year-old cedar trees in Kuliang.The forum was themed "Bridging Cultural Differences, Inheriting Friendship and Trust".Yu Shaoliang, President of People's Daily; Guo Ningning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Fujian Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee; Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; and Roberta Lipson, Chairperson of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, also delivered keynote speeches. Approximately 150 Chinese and American guests, including members of the Kuliang Friends, attended the forum.Sun Tao, Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, accompanied Shen Xin to the event.

On December 18, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of the Congo. Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li attended the event. The event was attended by Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congoto China, who delivered speeches. Approximately 80 representatives from all sectors of society in China and the Republic of the Congo attended the event.In his address, Yan Dong praised the enduring friendship and pragmatic cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo. He noted that over the past six decades, the two nations have established an unbreakable bond, setting a benchmark for solidarity, collaboration, and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa. Yan emphasized that the CPAFFC is ready to use the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to deepen ties. By strengthening traditional friendship, facilitating people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation and youth friendship, the CPAFFC aims to make significant contributions to advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga highlighted the exceptional nature of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Congo and China stands out as a model in the history of international relations, describing it as a model in the history of international relations. He underscored the mutual trust and collaboration between the two nations across political, economic, social, and cultural domains, which have resulted in substantial progress and tangible benefits for their peoples. Nyanga expressed his hope that the spirit of solidarity and friendship will endure, guiding both nations to uphold the torch of cooperation and pass on their traditional friendship to future generations.The reception featured performances of traditional Chinese folk music, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that further celebrated the occasion.

On December 12, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Zafar Uddin Mahmood, President of the Understanding China Forum, at the CPAFFC.Yuan Mindao warmly welcomed Zafar Uddin Mahmood's visit and commended his long-standing dedication to promoting China-Pakistan friendship. He acknowledged Mahmood's significant contributions to fostering exchanges and practical cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Zafar Uddin Mahmood expressed his strong commitment to further strengthening the bond between Pakistan and China. He pledged to actively promote the establishment of organizations dedicated to friendship with China in relevant cities across Pakistan and to contribute to the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.Xu Yan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs, also attended the meeting.

From December 7 to 11, 2024, the 4th China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue took place in Hubei. The event's wrap-up meeting was attended by nearly 100 participates, including Wang Xingyu, Vice Chairman of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Yan Dong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to China; Alfred Burimaso, Chargé d’Affaires at BurundianEmbassy in China; and youth representatives from China and African countries.In his address, Yan Dong highlighted that at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese and African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and championing the Global South modernization. He emphasized the critical role of young people in this endeavor, noting that: as partners for development cooperation, youth must offer their insights to shape a prosperous future; as partners for people-to-people exchanges, they are pivotal in fostering and strengthening enduring friendships; as partners for green development, young leaders are tasked with advancing sustainability and fulfilling shared mission. Yan assured participants that the CPAFFC would continue to build bridges for youth friendship, inspiring the younger generation to carry forward the cause of people-to-people friendship.Wang Xingyu reiterated China's unwavering commitment to being a reliable friend and sincere partner of African nations on their journey toward development and revitalization. He affirmed Hubei Province's dedication to enhancing cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, science and technology, and education while deepening people-to-people exchanges to elevate China-Africa relations to new heights.Jacques Jean Luc Nyanga underscored the alignment between the goal of building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era and the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He encouraged young Africans and Chinese to adopt an open-minded approach to this vision, working together toward a more peaceful and prosperous future.During the event, youth representatives from 14 African countries visited Wuhan and Yichang, witnessing firsthand the practical implementation of Chinese modernization. They engaged in discussions and exchanges with local Chinese youth and expressed admiration for China's development model. Many noted that Chinese modernization offers valuable lessons for Africa's independent development. They pledged to bring the insights gained in Hubei back to their respective countries and work toward achieving modernization that benefits a broader population.The China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue, launched in 2021 by the CPAFFC under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, has become a key institutional platform for fostering youth exchanges and collaboration. To date, four sessions have been successfully held.

On December 7, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Yale-China Association (U.S.A.) Hunan Representative Office took place at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University. Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended and addressed the event upon invitation.In his remarks, Shen Xin highlighted the historic friendship fostered by people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, emphasizing Yale-China's pivotal role. Over a century ago, Yale-China crossed the Pacific to establish medical and educational institutions in Hunan, including the renowned Xiangya Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, and Yali High School. These institutions have significantly influenced modern medicine and education in Hunan and across China. The establishment of the Yale-China Association (U.S.A.) Hunan Representative Office represents a new phase of bilateral cooperation and heralds a new chapter in China-US friendship. Shen expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with Yale-China, Xiangya Hospital, and other institutions to promote exchanges between young medical professionals and students from China and the US, ensuring the enduring legacy of China-US friendship.Founded in 1901 by Yale University alumni, Yale-China promotes friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American peoples through diverse exchange programs in education, medical, health care, public service, and culture.The ceremony was attended by over 100 participates, including Li Jiancheng, President of Central South University, Christopher Green, U.S. Consul General in Wuhan, Laurence Bates, Chair of the Yale-China Board of Trustees; and descendants of Edward Humeand Yan Fuqing families, founders of Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine. Other attendees included representatives from education, medical, and healthcare sectors in China and the US.

On December 5, 2024, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Anthea Heffernan, Counselor for Regional Cooperation in China at the British Embassy in China; and Catriona Radcliffe, Head of the Scottish Government Office in China. The meeting, held at the CPAFFC, focused on enhancing people-to-people, subnational, and youth exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK.Zong Linhong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, also attended the meeting.