On October 21, 2025, Vice President Lu Xiangdong of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation from the National Assembly of Burundi, who were visiting China at the invitation of the CPAFFC.Vice President Lu Xiangdong emphasized that China and Burundi are true partners who respect each other and seek common development, and good brothers who share weal and woe and fight shoulder to shoulder. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Burundi relations have continued to develop at a high level, and the two countries have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is ready to strengthen synergy of development strategies with Burundi, and work with the Burundian side to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, subnational cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth engagement, to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries, yield mutual benefits and achieve common development.Ernest Niyokindiu, President of the Commission on Political, Administrative Affairs, Foreign Relations and the East African Community at the Burundi National Assembly and head of the delegation, expressed his gratitude for the invitation from the CPAFFC. He noted that China and Burundi have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, offering support on issues of core interests and major concerns, which has fostered a deep and enduring friendship. He highlighted that China's contributions and assistance is very important for Burundi's peace, stability, and economic development. The delegation expressed hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to learn from China's governance experience, strengthen ties with the CPAFFC, and advance practical cooperation between China and Burundi for the benefits of the two peoples.Liu Fang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.

On October 20, 2025, the 18th China-Japan Friendship Exchange Conference was held in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the China-Japan Friendship Association, and the Japan-China Friendship Association.The theme of this conference was "New Exchanges between Local Cities." Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC and Takehiro Funakoshi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, sent congratulatory messages to the conference. President of the Japan-China Friendship Association Tokuichiro Utsunomiya and CPAFFC Vice President Yuan Mindao delivered keynote speeches on behalf of the co-organizers. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao and Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa of Japan's Ibaraki Prefectural Government delivered remarks as guest representatives. More than 200 participants attended the conference and related activities, including representatives of friendship associations and foreign affairs offices from 16 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities; representatives of Japan-China friendship associations and subnational governments and parliamentary leaders from 18 Japanese prefectures; as well as leaders from various friendly sectors of two countries, members of the Japanese National Diet, and members of the Ibaraki prefectural assembly.In his congratulatory message, President Yang Wanming stressed that people-to-people friendship is the wellspring of China-Japan relations and a proud tradition and valuable asset. Subnational exchanges and cooperation are an important part of bilateral relations and a key channel for advancing people-to-people friendship. President Yang noted that China-Japan relations are currently at a critical stage of improvement and development. Since last November's meeting between the two countries' leaders in Lima, dialogue and exchanges at all levels and across various fields have steadily advanced. A series of positive interactions has further enriched the contemporary meaning of the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship. He emphasized that people from all sectors in two countries should work together to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' leaders, sustain and enhance the momentum of improved relations, explore new pathways for subnational cooperation, and contribute wisdom and strength to building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship suited to the new era.President Tokuichiro Utsunomiya reviewed the founding purpose of the Japan-China Friendship Association and the development of the China-Japan Friendship Exchange Conference. He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 75th anniversary of the Association's founding. He recalled the words of his grandfather, Tokimatsu Utsunomiya, the Association's third president, who said that "China–Japan friendship is Japan's greatest security guarantee". Tokuichiro Utsunomiya stressed that drawing lessons from history and continuously pursuing friendship and peace represent the right course for fostering China-Japan relations and promoting stability and development in Asia and the world. He expressed hope that the conference would deepen ties among friendly organizations in two countries and play a positive role in promoting exchanges in fields such as the economy and culture.Ambassador Wu Jianghao emphasized that people-to-people friendship is a fundamental cornerstone of China-Japan relations. As major countries in Asia and the world, China and Japan should uphold the East Asian wisdom of seeking harmony while respecting differences and working together in solidarity. He called on the two countries to actively promote regional cooperation and jointly respond to global challenges, thereby providing greater certainty and development momentum for the region and the world. He expressed hope that friendly organizations and people from all sectors in two countries would continue to uphold the banner of friendship, maintain confidence, keep pace with the times, and make greater contributions to the steady and long-term development of China-Japan relations and to regional and global peace and stability.In his keynote speech, Vice President Yuan Mindao commended the Japan-China Friendship Association for its invaluable contributions over the past 75 years to rebuilding, improving, and advancing China-Japan relations. He emphasized that in the face of new circumstances, challenges, and opportunities, both sides should continue to champion the cause of China-Japan friendship, energize subnational exchanges, innovate the content and forms of exchange mechanisms, and create more platforms for youth interaction to provide sustained impetus for the steady and far-reaching development of bilateral relations.Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa noted that Ibaraki Prefecture has established strong exchange ties with regions such as Shaanxi Province. He expressed his readiness to further promote exchanges and cooperation in areas such as the economy, culture, and subnational affairs, enhance mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the two countries, and contribute to the advancement of China-Japan relations.In his congratulatory message, Vice-Foreign Minister Funakoshi Takehiro stated that people-to-people exchanges form the foundation for comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan and for building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that the dynamism and strengths of local cities in two countries would foster more vibrant and diverse exchanges.Representatives from the two countries engaged in in-depth discussions on the conference theme, shared experiences and achievements, and exchanged plans for future cooperation. A joint initiative was adopted at the meeting, with participants expressing unanimous commitment to further strengthening the societal and public support for China-Japan friendship and to advancing practical exchanges and cooperation across various fields.

On October 20, 2025, Vice President Sun Xueqing of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Barry McElduff, Mayor of Fermanagh, from Northern Ireland, UK.Vice President Sun Xueqing noted that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to advancing practical cooperation and sister-city exchanges with regions across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. He emphasized that the CPAFFC values its longstanding partnership with the subnational government of Northern Ireland and stands ready to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship, with a view to promoting steady and long-term subnational cooperation between China and the UK.Mayor Barry McElduff expressed his appreciation for the significant role played by the CPAFFC in facilitating subnational cooperation and sister-city exchanges. He provided an overview of Fermanagh's engagement with Huangshi City in Hubei Province and outlined prospects for future collaboration. He reaffirmed the readiness to further deepen friendly relations with China and expand channels for cooperation in areas such as education and culture, in order to share development opportunities.Lv Hongwei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Kerry Curran, Representative of the Northern Ireland subnational government in China, were present at the meeting.

From October 16 to 18, 2025, the 2025 UCLG World Council and the 10th Anniversary of UNIDO's Bridge for Cities Event was successfully held in Xi'an. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Xi'an Municipal People's Government, the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Fang Hongwei, Secretary of the Xi'an Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC); Ye Niuping, Mayor of Xi'an Municipal People's Government; Jan Van Zanen, President of the UCLG; and Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director General of UNIDO addressed the opening ceremony. More than 500 guests, including heads and representatives from over 160 cities and local government organizations across 57 countries around the world, attended the meeting.Vice President Lu noted in his remarks that the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping provide Chinese wisdom and solution as the world addresses changes and challenges. In July this year, President Xi called for efforts to build modern cities of the people that are innovative, desirable to live in, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart, pointing out the direction for China's urban development while providing important experience for the high-quality development of cities across the world. Chinese and foreign cities should join hands to promote innovative transformation and build green, low-carbon and smart cities; adhere to the people-centered concept to build comfortable, convenient, and livable cities; and ensure both development and security to build safe, reliable and civilized cities. Vice President Lu's speech on behalf of the CPAFFC and member cities on the Chinese mainland included a briefing on the cooperation achievements between the CPAFFC and the UCLG and suggestions for future cooperation, and received active responses from all parties.On the sidelines of the event, Vice President Lu held separate meetings with Jan Van Zanen, President of the UCLG; Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, Secretary General of the UCLG; Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of the UCLG's Asia-Pacific Section (UCLG-Aspac); Abdulrahman Al-Asfour, Secretary General of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO); and Suzuki Yasutomo, Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. They held in-depth discussions on strengthening interaction, promoting urban development, deepening practical cooperation among local governments globally, and promoting people-to-people friendship. The foreign participants to the meetings unanimously expressed their readiness to work with the CPAFFC to promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign cities, and continuously add new content to local practical cooperation.

On October 16, 2025, Shen Xin, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Vice President Leonora Torres of the Mexico-China Friendship Association and his delegation at the CPAFFC.Vice President Shen noted that Mexico is an important country in Latin America and a developing country of global influence. Although China and Mexico are geographically distant, the two countries have always maintained a profound friendship that transcends the Pacific Ocean. He expressed appreciation to the Mexico-China Friendship Association for its contribution to the friendship and understanding between the two peoples, stating that Chinese people will never forget their old friends. The CPAFFC will work with the Mexico-China Friendship Association to continue to leverage the role of people-to-people diplomacy as a bridge of communication and make new contribution to continuously deepening China-Mexico friendship.Leonora Torres and other members of the delegation fondly recalled the touching moments of the Mexico-China Friendship Association's wholehearted dedication in promoting bilateral relations since its inception, choking up by their profound emotions several times. The delegation members unanimously commended that the Communist Party of Chinahas united and led the Chinese people in achieving remarkable accomplishments that have drawn global attention and are worthy of worldwide admiration. The Mexico-China Friendship Association will, as always, remain true to its original aspirations and bring the cause of Mexico-China friendship shine into the new era.Deng Lan, Deputy Director-General of Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, attended the meeting.

On October 16, 2025, Vice President Shen Xin of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a delegation led by Min Hee Kyung, Head of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of CJ CheilJedang in South Korea.Vice President Shen welcomed Min Hee Kyung and the delegation to the CPAFFC. He recognized CJ Group's contribution to promoting exchanges between the young people of China and the ROK through public welfare programs such as the "Chinese Korean Share Your Dream Short Film Festival."Min Hee Kyung and CJ China CEO Yoon Doson, introduced CJ Group's business operations and social contribution initiatives in China. They expressed gratitude for the support from the CPAFFC and the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development (CFFPD), and reiterated the group's commitment to fostering close collaboration, enhancing cultural exchanges, and deepening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.The two sides also exchanged views on promoting youth exchanges between China and the ROK and exploring new areas for public welfare cooperation in the future.Chen Yue, Deputy Secretary-General of the CFFPD, attended the meeting.

As the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges approaches, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hereby issues an official call for logo design submissions from participants across China and Africa. This initiative aims to pool the wisdom of Chinese and African artists and solicit outstanding designs that vividly interpret the theme of the year of exchanges, embody the spirit of China-Africa friendly cooperation, and convey the profound significance and contemporary value of the year of exchanges.The contest is organized by the CPAFFC, co-organized by the China International Communications Group Center for Europe and Africa, and supported by the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development. The contest is open to submissions until November 20, 2025, featuring one Winning Prize and ten Finalist Prizes. We sincerely invite designers, design institutions, faculty and students of art colleges, as well as all amateur designers from China and Africa to their creativity to the designing of the most distinctive visual identity for the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.Let inspiration transcend boundaries, and let us connect our hearts through designing.Logo Design Contest for 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in Full Swing!We look forward to your contributions!

On October 16, 2025, Vice Secretary-General Ji Yongjun of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CAPFFC) met with Chitimukulu, Paramount Chief of the Bemba people of Zambia at the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth discussions on topics of mutual interest, including China-Zambia relations, local-level cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.Vice Secretary-General Ji extended a warm welcome to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu. He noted that, China and Zambia share a profound traditional friendship. Exchanges in various fields have grown increasingly closer, and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries continues to deepen and yield tangible results. The CPAFFC is committed to further strengthening cooperation with all sectors of Zambian society, including the Bemba people, by building more exchange platforms in such areas as culture, youth, and local-level interaction to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Zambia relations.Paramount Chief Chitimukulu commended the CPAFFC for its longstanding contribution to the friendship between the peoples of Zambia and China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties over six decades ago, bilateral relations between the two countries have remained resilient amid changes in the international landscape. He expressed hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the Bemba people and the Chinese side in areas such as agriculture, tourism, and culture, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both countries.Ivan Zyuulu, Ambassador of Zambia to China and Huang Xiaowei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, attended the meeting.

On October 16, 2025, Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met in Xi'an with Abdulrahman Al-Asfour, Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO), and Ahmed Al Ghassani, Chairman of the Dhofar Municipality, Oman. The two guests were in China for the 2025 World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Executive Bureau Meeting and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) "Bridge for Cities" 10th Anniversary Special Event.Vice President Lu extended a warm welcome to Al-Asfour and Al-Ghassani. He noted that, China and Arab countries cherish a time-honored friendship. In recent years, under the guidance of Chinese and Arab heads of state, political mutual trust has been increasingly consolidated, and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has progressed steadily and concretely, setting an example of unity and cooperation among developing countries.Lu said that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to advancing local government cooperation and sister-city exchanges between China and Arab countries. The CPAFFC and the ATO have jointly held three sessions of the Chinese-Arab Cities Forum, an important institutional platform under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. China commends the ATO's efforts in establishing the forum mechanism and appreciates Dhofar Governorate's active input in the organization of the 4th China-Arab Cities Forum in 2026. The CPAFFC stands ready to work closely with the ATO to ensure the forum's success and will invite representatives of Chinese local governments to participate.Al-Asfour noted that, thanks to joint efforts, the Chinese-Arab Cities Forum has contributed to deepening the strategic partnership between Arab states and China as a local-government level initiative. The ATO will work closely with the Chinese side for further achievements in the exchanges between Arab and Chinese cities. Al-Ghassani pointed to Oman's role as an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, expressing that hosting the 4th China-Arab Cities Forum in Oman contributes to Oman-China traditional friendship and the overall friendship and cooperation between Arab countries and China. Dhofar Municipality will work with the Chinese side for a thoroughly prepared forum.Xu Yan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, attended the meeting.

On October 14, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Bangladesh in China co-hosted a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Beijing. Losang Jamcan, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the event. Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; Liu Bin, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director-General of the International Military Cooperation Office of the Central Military Commission; Nazmul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to China; and over 300 representatives from various sectors of China and Bangladesh, along with several foreign diplomats in China, attended the event. Vice Chairman Luo Sangjiangcun and Ambassador Nazmul Islam jointly unveiled a commemorative envelope to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. Vice President Lu Xiangdong and Ambassador Nazmul Islam delivered remarks.In his remarks, Vice President Lu Xiangdong stated that China and Bangladesh are good neighbors, friends, and partners, with a long history of friendly exchanges between their peoples. In March this year, President Xi Jinping met with Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh Caretaker Government, in Beijing, where they reached an important consensus on deepening the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. On October 4, President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Vice President Lu expressed that, China is willing to work with Bangladesh, in line with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, to continuously deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and broaden cultural exchanges, ensuring that bilateral relations benefit the two peoples and contribute more to peace and development in the region and the world.Ambassador Nazmul Islam expressed that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Bangladesh have jointly pursued peace, development, and stability, building a deep friendship based on equality, trust, and mutual respect. Over the years, China has become Bangladesh's largest trading partner and main source of investment. The two sides have achieved fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, with extensive and close cultural exchanges, as well as close collaboration in multilateral affairs. The Bangladeshi side is willing to continue working hand in hand with China to advance bilateral cooperation and ensure that the friendship between the two countries becomes even more lasting and solid.Before the reception, Vice Chairman Luo Sangjiangcun met with Ambassador Nazmul Islam and exchanged views on China-Bangladesh relations and other issues of mutual concern. During the reception, young Chinese performers and professional artists from Bangladesh presented performances showcasing the cultural characteristics of the two countries. The atmosphere of the reception was warm and friendly.