On November 22nd, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in China jointly held a reception for the 45th anniversary of China-Netherlands diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level in Beijing. Ms Lin Wenyi, Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), Mr Ed Kronenburg, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to China, Mr Tian Jie, Deputy Director General of the Committee for Handling Proposals of the CPPCC, Mr Wang Chao, Vice Foreign Minister, Mr Song Jingwu, Vice President of the CPAFFC, together with around 120 guests from the International Liaison Department of the CCCPC, the CPPCC, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Academy of Military Sciences of the PLA, diplomats from the Netherlands and representatives from all sectors attended the reception. Vice President Song Jingwu and Ambassador Ed Kronenburg delivered speeches.   Vice President Song Jingwu said in his speech that since China and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, bilateral relations has enjoyed steady progress with concrete fruits in the fields of economics and trade, science and technology, and people to people exchanges. China is willing to, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, further strengthen substantive cooperation in all fields and facilitate a steady development of the open and pragmatic comprehensive partnership between China and the Netherlands in the high level.   Ambassador Ed Kronenburg reviewed the development of Netherlands-China relations in the 45 years and said that Netherlands is ready to work with China to forge a closer relationship under the framework of the “Belt and Road” Initiative. On the reception, Vice Chairperson Lin Wenyi Ambassador Ed Kronenburg, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao,Vice President Song Jingwu and Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bas Pulles unveiled the commemorative envelop and jointly cut the cake for the 45th anniversary. Artists from the Netherlands brought Guqin and Piano performances for the audience.

Mr. Hu Sishe, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met in Sydney with Mr. Wayne Swan, the former Australian Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasurer of Australia in November, 17th. During the meeting, Vice President Hu Sishe made an introduction about the aim and function of CPAFFC. Vice President Hu thanked Mr. Wayne Swan for specially attending the opening ceremony of “Journey of Chinese Art--Xu Peichen’s Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition in Australia”. He said, culture plays an important role as a bridge in communicating among different countries and people. Culture also is regarded as the common wealth owned by the human race. Zheng He went on an expedition to the 'Western Ocean' in Ming Dynasty when Chinese fleet had arrived in Australia. After that, the exchanges between China and Australia were launched. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Australia diplomatic relations, the main purpose of holding Chinese traditional painting exhibition in Sydney this time was to enrich the cultural life of the two peoples, promote the feeling of the two peoples and further enhance the exchanges of the two countries in the fields of culture and art. and also it was expected to exert far-reaching influence on the innovation and development of the culture and art of the two countries through this exhibition. Meantime, it was hoped that the nongovernmental organizations could continue making contributions on promoting the friendship of the two countries. Mr. Wayne Swan said that during his tenure as the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasurer of Australia, he visited China for many times and realized that the important role the cultural exchange played in the Australia and China relations. At present, more and more Australian people begin to learn about Chinese long and splendid history and culture. Chinese art provides a new perspective that could not reflect from economic data and political report for Australian people to learn about China. This exhibition could inspire us to think about the important role the cultural ambassadors of the two countries (including artist, singer, poet and dancer) play in promoting the exchanges between the two countries. Cultural exchange could help us to understand the neighboring countries’ culture, which contributes to the prosperity and peace of the world. He thanked CPAFFC for making efforts on enhancing the cultural exchange of the two countries. Mr. Wang Heshan, Secretary General of China Friendship Institute for International Art Exchanges of CPAFFC, Professor Xu Peichen and other personages, attended the meeting.  

On the morning of November 16th, 2017, Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), accompanied by Mr. Chen Dong, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, paid special visit to the mansion of the late Henri Lederhandler who was one of the founders of Belgium-China Association and the first Chairman of Belgium-China Economic and Trade Committee, and awarded posthumously “Friendship Ambassador” to him. This Prize was the first time to confer to Belgian friendly personage. His wife was moved deeply and expressed that her husband devoted all his life to promoting the friendship between Belgium and China, and that all her family members felt honorable for this award. At the early period of the exchanges between Belgium and China, a group of people with lofty ideals broke through the resistances and dedicated to establishing and developing the friendly exchanges with China. Henri Lederhandler was one of the outstanding representatives among them and one of the founders of Belgium-China Association as well as the pioneer of the friendly exchanges and the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. In 1960s, He assisted and promoted Belgian Queen Elizabeth to visit China, which became the icebreaker trip for the exchanges between China and Belgium. In 2012, Mr. Li Keqiang, then Vice Premier of the State Council of China, paid special visit to Henri Lederhandler during his official visit to Belgium and kindly called him as “ a friend of Chinese people forever”.

The reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Belgium-China Association & the award ceremony jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Chinese Embassy in Belgium, Belgium-China Association was held in Chinese Embassy in Belgium in November 16th, 2017. Mr. Xie Yuan, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Qu Xing，Chinese Ambassador to Belgium and Mr. Hans Van Duysen, Chairman of Belgium-China Association and etc., attended and delivered speeches. On behalf of President Li Xiaolin, Vice President Xie Yuan expressed warm congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Belgium-China Association. He also issued “China-Belgium Friendship Award” to six Belgian friendly personages including Ms. An Tengrootenhuysen, Ms. Caroline Tengrootenhuysen, Ms. Lale Yuvali, Ms. Yvonne Mainguet, Mr. Hans Van Duysen and Mr. Philip Vanhaelemeersch. Vice President Xie Yuan said in his speech that, An Tengrootenhuysen, her sister Caroline Tengrootenhuysen, Lale Yuvali and Yvonne Mainguet actively spread and promoted Chinese culture for decades, so as to enhance Belgian people’s understanding of China. Chairman Hans Van Duysen, Mr. Philip Vanhaelemeersch and representatives of new generation took over the baton from the predecessors to actively develop the economic and trade cooperation, the humanity and cultural exchanges with China, and to continue making unremitting efforts on the cause of China-Belgium friendship. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Belgium-China Association, CPAFFC issued “China-Belgium Friendship Award ” to Belgian friendly personages in order to commend them for the outstanding contributions they had made to developing the China-Belgium friendship. Adhering to the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind raised on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, CPAFFC would continue to consolidate and develop the exchanges and cooperation with Belgium-China Association, the Belgian friendly personages and organizations with China from all walks of life so as to push the bilateral relations to a new level.

On November 15th, with the theme of “Making Friends along the Belt and Road, Promoting Friendship and Cooperation”, the 3rd Investment Promotion Conference for Fortune Global 500 and World-Renowned Foreign Companies·International Friendship City Forum was successfully held in Wuhan. More than 120 delegates from 22 cities of 21 countries, such as Canada, Netherlands, Greece, Finland and Britain, as well as officials from foreign consulates general in Wuhan attended the forum. Mr. Stephen Harper, former Canadian Prime Minister addressed the Opening Ceremony.  Secretary General Li Xikui pointed out in his speech that in the report delivered at the 19th National Congress of CPC, President Xi Jinping said, we should pursue the Belt and Road Initiative as a priority, give equal emphasis to “bring in” and “going out”, follow the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, and increase openness and cooperation in building innovation capacity. With these efforts, we hope to make new ground in opening China further through links running eastward and westward, across land and over sea. Hope Wuhan can make full use of its geographic advantage and its friendship cities, deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation with countries and cities along the Belt and Road so as to rejuvenate the city. We need to work hard to achieve the Chinese dream and share the benefits of development with the rest of the world. Mr. Chen Yixin, Secretary of Wuhan Municipal Committee of CPC, and Mr. Wan Yong, Mayor of Wuhuan attended the forum and delivered speeches. Cooperation projects signing ceremony was also held at the forum.

The Africa-China Friendship Organization Leaders Meeting, which was organized by the CPAFFC and the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association (CAPFA), were held in Beijing on November 14. The theme of this meeting is “New Opportunities for Belt and Road and China-Africa Cooperation”. CAPFA President H.E. Mr. Abdul'ahat Abdurixit and CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi, leaders of 24 friendship organizations from 20 African countries, African diplomats and journalists in China, as well as representatives from Chinese ministries, local friendship organizations and enterprises totaling 150 were present at the meeting. All the leaders of African friendship organizations extended warm congratulations to the convening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Xi Jinping’s re-election as the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Beijing Declaration of the Africa-China Friendship Organization Leaders Meeting was adopted. All the delegates expressed their will to synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with the development plans of African countries, and continue to give full play to the nongovernment advantages, so as to contribute to the further development of Africa-China friendship in the new era.      

On Novmber 13, Deputy Director General Zhang Ruoning met with Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Deputy Leader of Welsh Local Government Association. The two sides broadly exchanged views on topics ranging from China-UK local cooperation to cooperation between the CPAFFC and Welsh Local Government Association.

On November 11, Hao Zhongwei, deputy director general of Department of American & Oceanian Affairs, met with Dennis Richardson, secretary of state of Oregon, in CPAFFC. Mr. Hao briefed him about the work done by CPAFFC in recent years in promoting China-US subnational exchanges and the Nineteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China. He said that the successful state visit by President Trump will further promote China-US relationship and CPAFFC hopes to strengthen cooperation with Oregon in multiple areas, so as to further bilateral exchanges. Secretary of State Richardson said that China was an important partner of Oregon and expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation with CPAFFC and facilitate collaboration and exchanges with China.

Rural Children Disney Cultural Experience Program, cohosted by CPAFFC,  Walt Disney Company Limited (China) and Shanghai Disney Resort, was launched at Shanghai Disney Resort on November 10. Secretary General Li Xikui of CPAFFC, Yvonne Pei, SVP of External Relations, the Walt Disney International and Wang Yan, VP of Government Affairs and Community Relations, Shanghai Disney Resort addressed the opening ceremony. Secretary General Li Xikui expressed his welcome to teachers and students attending this activity. He also wished the children take this as an opportunity to expand their horizon and enrich their knowledge. A happy and healthy childhood would certainly make them more capable of contributing to the construction of their hometowns and the entire country. SVP Yvonne Pei thanked CPAFFC for their great support to this activity, hoping this activity will leave a happy memory to everyone. VP Wang Yan briefed her audience on Shanghai Disney Resort, hoping the teachers and students would spend a happy time at the Resort. 100 teachers and students from Hongan of Hubei, Yan’an of Shaanxi, Jinggangshan of Jiangxi and Zunyi of Guizhou attended the activity. After their stay at Shanghai Disney Resort, they also visited the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Bund of Shanghai.

On November 8th, Vice President Hu Sishe met with Sujata Koirala, former Vice Premier and Foreign Minister of Nepal, and attended the launching ceremony of Visual Arts of China-The Chinese Folk Arts Exhibition held in Nepal.  Vice President Hu Sishe met with Sujata Koirala Koirala welcomed the working group and thanked CPAFFCC for inviting her to attend the 2017 China (Anyang) International Conference of Chinese Characters. She briefly introduced the current economic and social development of Nepal and said that she is impressed with China’s rapid development, especially in the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region. She hoped China can also help promote Nepal with its development, especially in areas like infrastructure construction and planter processing of Tibetan herbs. She also stressed that the friendship between the two peoples is the basis, and that people-to-people exchanges can play a role in promoting the friendship. So she was willing to actively promote the cultural exchanges between China and Nepal. Vice President Hu Sishe thanked Koirala for her caring and efforts in the cause of China-Nepal Friendship and briefed her on the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. He pointed out that the 19th National Congress laid a path for the development of China in the next stage. China will continue to deepen reform, promote development for the Chinese people's well-being, and benefit the neighboring countries. CPAFFC will also continue to actively carry out cultural exchanges with Nepal to enhance the understanding and mutual trust between the two peoples.  Launching ceremony of Visual Arts of China-The Chinese Folk Arts Exhibition Launching ceremony of Visual Arts of China-The Chinese Folk Arts Exhibition in Nepal was held in Kathmandu on November 8th morning. The Exhibition will also be exhibited at the National Museum of Nepal and other places. In order to cooperate with the exhibition, the cultural working group introduced two Shaanxi paper-cutting artists and Chinese folk art craft Masters to the local primary school and taught the students the art of paper-cutting, which was welcomed by the school and students. The working group held talks with Nepalese friends from fields of culture and art on the exchange of music, Buddhism and fine arts between China and Nepal, and the two sides agreed to establish a mechanism for cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries.  On-site teaching of paper-cutting On the same day, the working group also visited the city of Manohara and Sankhara, near Kathmandu, and held talks with mayors on cities and cultural exchanges between China and Nepal.  Chinese folk art craft Masters present gift to Nepalese friends On November 6th, the working group visited Nehru University, and met with China studies expert Shaobaoli and five other professors and experts in the humanities and art research and teaching, exploring further cooperation between CPAFFC and Nehru University on a variety of cultural exchanges. Preliminary intention was reached about inviting representatives of the Nepalese side to participate the Chinese Culture Tour For Foreign Diplomats and Experts, China-Nepal Youth Contemporary Art exhibition, and other projects.