Secretary Peng Qinghua of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee: The China-U.S. Governors Forum serves as a platform where sub-national leaders exchange ideas and sub-national cooperation are carried out. With its theme Win-win Cooperation and Shared Development, the forum echoes with the voice of the era and meets the expectations of all sides. We would like to take the forum as an opportunity to perfect cooperation mechanism, expand friendly exchanges and deepen practical cooperation with U.S. states in trade and investment, education and scientific innovation, green and low-carbon development, and people-to-people exchanges, creating a win-win, mutual-learning and mutually beneficial relationship. Governor Yin Li of Sichuan Province: Green development is the trend of our time and common goal of both countries. This forum has put green development on its agenda as an act to conform to the global trend of low-carbon development and of responsibility to jointly promote green and sustainable development. There exists a solid foundation and great potential in ecological construction, green industry and clean energy. Sichuan will, as always, work with people from all sectors of society of the U.S. to push forward green development through opening-up and win-win cooperation. Governor Wang Wentao of Heilongjiang Province: As the world enters an era of economic globalization, bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation has become a realistic choice for different countries in the world. As the geographically closest Chinese province to U.S. mainland, Heilongjiang wishes to play a more important role in the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. Heilongjiang also expects to strengthen its cooperation with U.S. states in agriculture, tourism, high-tech industry, modern manufacturing and service industry. Executive Vice Governor Chen Xiangqun of Hunan Province: Green development serves as an important foundation for the construction of a community of shared future. It also points to the correct direction for the development of world economy. Hunan hopes increase exchanges and communication with its American counterparts, share its green development mechanism, work with the U.S. states in the development of green industry, clean energy and tourism industry. We might make green development an opportunity to enhance our mutually beneficial relationship. Vice Governor Xia Yanjun of Hebei Province: Trade and investment is the common concern of all countries and regions of the world. It is also a crucial ingredient for economic development. Hebei province attaches great importance to trade and investment cooperation with the U.S. The One Belt One Road initiative, the Co-ordinated Development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, the planning and construction of Xiong’an New Area, and the preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics are seen as great opportunities for Hebei. It also provide a huge market and great potential for the province’s cooperation with the U.S, which we wish to push forward in areas such as trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Governor Bill Walker of Alaska: Alaska appreciates its relationship with Chinese provinces and hopes to work with its Chinese counterparts in a myriad of areas based on this relationship. Alaska is rich in natural gas, which China is in great need of. Our joint efforts in this regard have been supported by Presidents of both countries. We are working to start a direct flight from Alaska to China, which will bring Chinese commodities and tourists to Alaska. We also hope to export more goods to China. Governor Jerry Brown of California: It is crucially important to convene American and Chinese governors, discussing topics such as trade and economics and clean energy, enhancing mutual understanding and practical cooperation. As is known to all, global economy is facing great challenge, but that challenge cannot be compared with the challenge of climate change. I encourage all parties to take more measures to counter climate change, including carbon trade, green construction, energy conservation devices, renewable energy, and zero emission vehicles. This work is of great importance to not only Chinese and American sub-national governments, but to other countries as well. Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York: More than ever before, New York State is committed to exploring opportunities for cultural exchange and to encouraging foreign partnership and investment. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our important cultural relationship with the Chinese community-both here in New York and abroad-and to achieving our shared goals together in the months ahead. Governor Jay Inslee of Washington: As is known to all, the U.S.-China Governors Forum provides a unique opportunity to raise both peoples’ awareness and morale to stand up together to difficult challenges. As such, I encourage each participants carry on with your efforts, making new achievements in key areas such as climate change and economic development. Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez of New Mexico: The similarities between the U.S. and China outweigh their differences. More than ever, both countries need to build more trust with each other. As the third largest energy producer in the U.S., New Mexico is actively developing renewable energy, diversifying our economy and creating more jobs. We would like to work with China, along with 49 other states of the U.S., striding forward in the face of our common challenges.           Photographed by Department of American and Oceanian Affairs

On May 21st, Mme Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with H.E.Mr. German Ekua Sima Abaga, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to China in Beijing. Mme Lin said that in recent years, the CPAFFC had worked closely with the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in China, and had frequent contact with the Association of Equatorial Guinean Graduates of China. The people-to-people communication channels with Equatorial Guinea are unimpeded. Ambassador Sima spoke highly of the positive role played by CPAFFC in promoting the relations between China and Equatorial Guinea, and believed that enhancing mutual understanding between peoples is of great significance in promoting the bilateral relations. Mme Tang Ruimin, Deputy Inspector of Department of Asian and African Affairs of CPAFFC attended the meeting.       Photographed by Yang Huiwen

Liu He, member of the political bureau of the CPC central committee, vice premier of the State Council, met with Governor Walker of Alaska, Lieutenant Governor Sanchez of New Mexico and other major U.S. delegates attending the Forth China-U.S. Governors Forum in Beijing on May 21st. Liu He said that he just came back to Beijing from Washington D.C. During his visit, the two sides had conducted positive, tangible and fruitful discussions on China-U.S. Trade issue and reached important consensus, which would be beneficial for peoples in both countries and all around the world. The China-U.S. Governors Forum is an important sub-national exchanges mechanism between the two countries. He hoped delegates from the U.S. take this forum as an opportunity to promote practical cooperation at the sub-national level, promoting further development of bilateral relationship. Walker and Sanchez said the whole world were celebrating the consensus reached by our countries in trade issue. They hoped to further cooperate with Chinese localities in trade, investment, green development and innovation, making further contribution to the development of bilateral relationship.         Photographed by Mu Liyi  

Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with visiting Mme. O.Melynikova, Director General of Russian Cultural Center (RCC) and Cultural Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China on May 21st. President Song extended welcome to O. Melynikova. He said, Counselor O. Melynikova had paid several official visits to CPAFFC after taking office, which indicates the support she had given in and the attention she had paid to the friendly cause of the peoples between China and Russia. We appreciated for it. O. Melynikova said that RCC actively developed the exchanges of the two countries in the fields of humanity and culture including arts and education in recent years and paid high attention to the pragmatic cooperation of the peoples between the two countries. RCC would like to work together with CPAFFC to develop the exchanges. Both sides also exchanged their views on the topics concerning the cooperation of the local governments, the exchanges of the youth between China and Russia, and the preparations for Mitrovanova’s upcoming visit to China, who is new Director of the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation (ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO). Mme. Hu Chunmei, Associated Counsel of Department of European and Asian Affairs of CPAFFC, and Secretary General of China and Russia Friendship Association, was present.           Photographed by Zheng Chen

On May 15th, Vice President Hu Sishe met with Delegation of the Nordhessen Univerity of applied Science from Germany leading by its president Mrs. Michaella Zilling. Vice President Hu Sishe greeted the visit of the Nordhessen University of applied Science. He said, the vocational and technical Education in Germany has always been a role model for China to learn from in the relevant fields. Training and instructing the students according to their classification would be an important trend for the development of Chinese education in the future. The Chinese-German Nursing Exchange Project which was carried by CSC (China Service Center for Friendship and Cooperation with Foreign Countries) was a pilot project of CPAFFC aiming to educate talents mastering applied technology. CPAFFC hoped to work together with Nordhessen Univerity of applied Science to broaden the cooperation areas, so that the bridge for deeper communication and exchange between China and Germany in education could be built. Mrs. Michaella Zilling, president of the university thanked vice president Hu for this meeting. She introduced the history and the subject setting of the university. Nordhessen University of applied Science has much  experiences for cooperation with Chinese Colleges. The vocational applied technology related majors are also the advantage majors of the university. Nordhessen University has a strong interest in cooperating with China on vocational education and is willing to work with CPAFFC to promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of education between China and Germany. After the meeting, CSC-Director Zhang Juxiang introduced the CSC and the Chinese-German Nursing Exchange Project to the guests and both sides had a good communication about the concerned issues and exchange thoughts.        

Vice President Hu Sishe met with the Vienna Flute Mozartet on 15th May. Mr. Hu Sishe welcomed the artists for performing in China. He said that Chinese people has long been fond of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and music of Mozart. As Culture and Music are vital parts of the exchanges for the two countries, CPAFFC is willing to conduct deep cooperation with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Flute Mozartet and promote the mutual exchanges between our two peoples and the artists. Dieter Flury, the head of the Vienna Flute Mozartet, former  General Manager and the Principle Flute of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, said that Austrian President and Premier together with a delegation visited China earlier this year, showing great importance to China-Austria ties, and the four artists are very glad to perform in China in the wake of their official visit.       Photographed by Jing Ruoxi

Sponsored by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), co-organized by China-Central Asia Friendship Association ( CCAFA) and China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD), organized by China Next Generation Education Foundation (CNGEF), Nongovernmental Organizations Dialogue of Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and 3rd China-Central Asia Cooperation Dialogue was held successfully in Beijing on May, 15th. Mr. Song Jingwu, Vice President of CPAFFC and CCAFA, Mr. Wu Hongbin and Mr.Hong Jiuyin, Vice Presidents of CCAFA, Mr. Zhang Chaohui, Director-General of Youth Volunteer Action and Guidance Center of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) Central Committee, Mme. Wu Juan, Secretary General of CNGEF, and leaders from friendly organizations of members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzs, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Sri Lanka and etc., were present and delivered speeches. On the opening ceremony, CCAFA together with Kyrgyz People's Congress signed a cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan Cares for Next Generation Foundation (UCNGF). Vice President Song Jingwu pointed out that, with the developing of the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, the friendly exchanges of the peoples between the members of SCO had been promoted comprehensively, the mutual understanding and mutual trust of the peoples among the different countries had been increasingly strengthened and the mutual respect and mutual trust among different civilizations, regions, races and religions had also been continuously consolidated. As a nongovernmental friendly organization, the Nongovernmental Organization of members of SCO plays a unique role in building a bridge to exchange, conveying people’s willingness and uniting people’s power. It is an important partner of SCO during the development. This dialogue was an important opportunities to exchange for the nongovernmental organizations of members of SCO, and it would further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship. Organizing this dialogue was to assist the SCO Qingdao Summit, to promote the exchanges of peoples among members of SCO and to enhance the pragmatic cooperation in the field of culture. With the theme of charity and professional education, the dialogue aims at adhering to the Shanghai Spirit, implementing the peoples’ intention and delivering benefits to people in SCO. This dialogue is also the continuing of the China- Central Asia Cooperation Dialogue organized by CPAFFC. Over 70 personages from nongovernmental organizations of members of SCO, charities, embassies and the fields of education, academic, media and etc., attended the dialogue. Xinhua News Agency, CCTV-13, CCTV-Pусский, CRI and other mainstream media made widely report on this activity.         Photographed by Feng Miao  

On May 14th, Vice President Xie Yuan attended the forum ‘Exploring Marx’s Thoughts—Marking the 200th Anniversary of Marx’s Birth’ in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province. The forum was co-held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Yan'an Municipal Committee of CPC and the People’s Government of Yan'an. It is of great significance to summarize the journey of the exploration of Marx’s thoughts in Europe and to promote the localization, modernization and popularization of Marxism in China. The forum was divided into three sessions, i.e., Marxism and Human Development, Reform and Opening-up and the Localization of Marxism, and Marxism and Youth’s Mission. Yan Hanping, deputy secretary of Yan'an Municipal Committee of CPC, Zhang Maizeng, party secretary of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Yang Zhihe, director of the Academic Affairs Department of China Executive Leadership Academy of Yan'an, Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC were invited and delivered keynote speeches.   Deputy secretary Yan Hanping stated that Yan'an is an important place for the localization of Marxism. The three great leaps taken place in China were all related to Yan'an. In the future, Yan'an will continue to develop with the Yan'an spirit. Party secretary Zhang Maizeng pointed out Marx is a thoughtful, innovative and diligent figure. His thoughts are people-centered and practice-oriented. It is of profound historical and practical significance to explore why China had chosen Marxism. Vice president Xie Yuan spoke highly of the signing of the memorandum between Yan'an and Trier to establish a friendship-city relation. He recommended Yan'an to invite the mayor of Trier to visit Yan'an as soon as possible and promote practical cooperation between the two cities, especially strengthen exchanges and interactions among the youth.   The forum also invited professors from Central Party History Research Institute, Renmin University of China, China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing Normal University, China Executive Leadership Academy of Yan'an, Party History Research Office of Yan'an and Yan'an University to jointly discuss the understanding of Marxism and its localization in China. Meanwhile, PhD. candidates from China, Germany, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos and Nepal participated in the forum to share their views.               

At the invitation of the CPAFFC, H.E. Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, President of Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association and former Prime Minister of Tanzania, led a 9-member delegation to visit Beijing and Shanghai from May 6 to 11, and attend the 3rd Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation, which was hosted by the CPAFFC. During the visit, H.E. Mr. Wang Qishan, the Chinese Vice President, Mme. Li Xiaolin, the CPAFFC President, Dr. Justin Yifu Lin, Dean of the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University, Mr. Li Yiping, Vice Chairman of Shanghai People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mme. Jing Ying, Vice President of Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries met with the delegation respectively. Dialogue of China Global Television Network, Paper and Daily News of Tanzanian had exclusive interviews with Dr. Salim. Dr. Salim has made historically important contributions to establishing and consolidating China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship cooperation, and to the restoration of lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations as well. He also forged profound friendship with older generation of the Chinese leaders. He is not only an old and good friend to the Chinese people, but also an iconic figure in China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship.                Photographed by Zhang Yujun

Mr. Li Keqiang, the Premier of State Council, attended the opening ceremony of the 3rd China-Japan Governors Forum and delivered a speech in Sapporo, Hokkaido on the morning of May, 11th. Mr. Abe Shinzō,  the Prime Minister of Japan, was present. Li Keqiang said, China and Japan are important neighbors. Keeping a healthy and stable relation is not only in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and the peoples, but also beneficial to the stability and prosperity of the region and the world. Both sides should firmly keep to the general direction of peace, friendship and cooperation of bilateral relations on the basis of the four political documents between China and Japan, and further develop Sino-Japanese good-neighborly and friendly relations. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan. Both sides should review the spirit of the treaty, consolidate the political foundation, broaden the friendly cooperation in order to push bilateral relations back to right track and make new and stable development. Li Keqiang pointed out, local exchange and cooperation is an   important part of Sino-Japanese relations and important channel for promoting the friendship between the two countries. During the visit, the Chinese and Japanese governments reached a number of cooperation agreements, creating conditions and space for deepening cooperation between the two countries and enterprises. Both sides agreed to carry out innovation cooperation, establish an innovative dialogue mechanism, and gradually promote technical cooperation between the two countries in the fields of high-tech, aging population, health care and others, while strictly require to  protect intellectual property rights. Meantime, Premier Li hoped that the two sides could play the economic complementary advantages, jointly explore third-party markets and cooperate to form a stronger competitiveness in order to avoid vicious competition. Strengthening financial cooperation and sign an agreement for currency swaps as soon as possible. The Chinese side agreed to grant the Japanese RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (RQFII) quota, which would facilitate investment, personnel exchange and financial risks for both sides. He hoped that Japanese enterprises would make use of this advantage to actively expand investment in China. Li Keqiang said that at the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference, President Xi Jinping made it clear that the door of China's opening-up will be wider and wider. In this process, local provinces in China are willing to cooperate with Japanese localities in the fields of strengthening high-tech, high-end manufacturing, modern agriculture and etc., and welcome Japanese localities and enterprises to actively participate in the process of China’s development towards high-quality and achieve mutual benefit and win-win. Shinzo Abe said that the exchange of friendly cities between Japan and China has continued to develop and has become one of the driving forces for the peaceful and friendly development of the two countries and an uninterrupted friendship bond. The two sides should further stimulate the vitality of local exchanges, strengthen cooperation in the fields of aging population, local development, and tourism, and promote the development of strategic and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin, and 12 governors from China and Japan, attended the forum.