From November 13 to 17, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation on a friendly visit to Thailand at the invitation of Korn Dabbaransi, President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. During his visit, Yang met with Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Culture, Nirat Pongsitthavorn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province, and Assanee Buranupakorn, Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality. Yang also held working meetings with President Korn Dabbaransi, Bhokin Bhalakula, President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association and former President of the National Assembly of Thailand, and Han Zhiqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand. Additionally, he engaged in talks with Borwornsak Uwanno, Chairman of the Foundation of King Prajadhipok's Institute, and youth representatives. Yang had extensive exchanges of views with figures from Thailand's political, business, and cultural circles on China-Thailand relations, people-to-people friendship, youth exchanges and proposals for celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand next year.During the meeting, Yang Wanming emphasized that China and Thailand share geographical proximity, ancestral ties, and cultural similarities, making them good neighbors, friends, relatives, and partners. Over the past 50 years, China-Thailand relations have maintained stable, sound, and rapid development, creating what Yang described as the "golden 50 years". He highlighted the widespread belief in both countries that "China and Thailand are as close as one family". Yang referred to the historic visit by President Xi Jinping to Thailand in November 2022, during which China and Thailand reached a significant consensus on building a China-Thailand community with a shared future for greater stability, prosperity, and sustainability. This agreement marked the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.Yang also noted President Xi Jinping's recent meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru. During the meeting, President Xi reiterated that "China and Thailand remain as close as a family". He emphasized China's readiness to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, achieve greater synergy in development strategies, deepen the exchange of governance experiences, coordinate and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all sectors, support each other's modernization drives, and make further progress in building the China-Thailand community with a shared future. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, celebrated as the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship". Yang noted that the CPAFFC will collaborate closely with Thai friendship organizations and people from all sectors of society to explore  innovative ways to commemorate this milestone. Yang outlined plans to take advantage of this opportunity to build more platforms and bridges for the two countries in the fields of people-to-people friendship, subnational cooperation, cultural exchanges, culture and tourism promotion, and youth exchanges, strengthen the foundation for the next "golden 50 years" of China-Thailand relations.Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Anutin Charnvirakul praised the CPAFFC for its positive contributions to strengthening the bilateral friendship and promoting people-to-people friendship. They reiterated that China and Thailand are as close as one family, with the two peoples sharing bonds akin to those of brothers. They noted that the two nations have maintained close and friendly relations across all levels and in various fields. The Thai royal family and government highly value their relationship with China and actively support the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. In light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Thai royal family and government plan to enhance bilateral communication through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They aim to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in economy, trade, culture, tourism, and local government while supporting social organizations in both countries to organize more friendly activities for the benefit of their peoples.Nirat Pongsitthavorn and Assanee Buranupakorn expressed their wish to pursue greater practical cooperation with local governments in China. They emphasized their interest in drawing on China's successful experiences in environmental protection and urban governance, deepening sister-city exchanges, increasing economic and trade investments, and fostering greater coordination in the tourism sector.Korn Dabbaransi and Bhokin Bhalakula voiced their willingness to collaborate with the CPAFFC in planning and organizing the event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. They emphasized that these efforts would help lay a solid foundation for strengthening Thai-Chinese people-to-people friendship in the new era.The Thai youth representatives shared the outcomes of their visit to China, expressing admiration for China's advanced development achievements. They conveyed their willingness to learn from China's experience and strive to become heirs of the Thailand-China friendship and promoters of human progress.During the visit, Yang Wanming engaged in extensive discussions with Nantana, Chairman of the Thailand-China Parliamentarians Friendship Group, Kanog, former Chairman of the Thailand-China Parliamentarians Friendship Group, Traisulee Traisoranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior, Li Shaozhu, Senior Chairman of Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, Chen Shaoyang, Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Xiao Hanming, Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Theparak Leungsuwan, Chairman of the Namyong Group.Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, accompanied Yang Wanming during the visit.

On November 11, the 2024 China-Cambodia Sister Cities Conference was held in Siem Reap Province, Northwest Cambodia. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, and the Cambodia-China Friendship Association. The conference was themed "Cambodia and China Jointly Write a New Chapter of a Community with a Shared Future". Prominent attendees included Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ek Sam Ol, Member of the Permanent Committee of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association; Huot Hak, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, and Prak Sophoan, Governor of Siem Reap Province, all of whom delivered speeches at the event. The conference brought together more than 200 people, including Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, representatives from 15 local governments across eight provinces in China, representatives from 12 Chinese-funded enterprise; and leaders from 25 Cambodian provinces, including Mithona Phuthong, Governor of Cambodian Koh Kong Province.In his speech, Yang Wanming stated that China and Cambodia are "iron-clad friends" who have consistently supported each other through both good times and bad and are like brothers who share mutual trust and sincerity. He highlighted that last year, President Xi Jinping held two separate meetings with Cambodian King Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen, during which strategic communication was maintained, and important consensus was reached on advancing the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, the China-Cambodia Diamond Cooperation Framework has been steadily expanded to include six priority areas (including political cooperation, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges). Yang emphasized that the China-Cambodia Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has made solid progress, ushering in a new era characterized by the building of a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future.This year, being the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year, the convening of the 2024 China-Cambodia Sister Cities Conference is particularly timely and of far-reaching significance. Yang expressed confidence that through this platform, the sister cities of China and Cambodia would further expand friendly exchanges, promote people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen practical cooperation. Yang also reaffirmed the CPAFFC's commitment to building more bridges of friendly people-to-people exchanges to deepen the friendship between the two nations; building more bridges of practical cooperation to foster mutual benefit and common development; building more bridges for cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding; and building more bridges of youth friendship to carry forward the traditional ties while gathering strength to advance the people-to-people friendship and sub-national cooperation between China and Cambodia.Ek Sam Ol welcomed President Yang Wanming and the Chinese delegation, noting that the successful holding of the conference added significant value to the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year and enriched the foundation of the Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future. He praised President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, describing it as a blueprint for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, building China into a modern socialist country, and addressing the common challenges faced by all countries amid unprecedented global changes. Ek Sam Ol expressed hope that the local governments of Cambodia and China would share development experiences, learn from each other, and  strengthen practical cooperation to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both nations. He also reaffirmed the Cambodia-China Friendship Association’s readiness to enhance solidarity and collaboration with the CPAFFC, create more platforms for exchanges, and ensure that the Cambodia-China friendship continues to flourish and is passed down from generation to generation.Huot Hak highlighted that Cambodia and China are geographically close to each other in terms of geography close and share deep ancestral ties, with a long tradition of friendly exchanges. He emphasized that the traditional friendship between the two nations has endured over time and remains vibrant and full of vitality. The Cambodian Government greatly values the role of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association and the CPAFFC in fostering Cambodia-China people-to-people friendship. He expressed his belief that the sister cities conference would inspire both nations to deepen their friendship, expand exchanges, and strengthen subnational cooperation.In his speech at the tourism sub-forum, Ambassador Wang Wenbin remarked that tourism is a powerful engine for economic development and serves as a vital bridge to enhance people-to-people friendship. He expressed confidence that, through the joint efforts of both sides, China-Cambodia tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges would become more frequent and ever closer, providing strong support for building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.Prak Sophoan noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two nations, Cambodia and China have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and forged an iron-clad friendship. He praised the flourishing subnational cooperation between Cambodia and China, which has resulted in the establishment of more than 30 pairs of sister cities. Fields such as tourism, agriculture, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges have yielded fruitful results. Prak Sophoan reiterated Siem Reap's willingness to strengthen collaboration with Chinese local governments, share successful experiences, and  pursue common development.During the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on two main topics, namely, "Strengthening Tourism Cooperation for a Better Future" and "Expanding Friendship Cities Cooperation and Deepening Cultural Exchanges". Seventeen representatives from China's Henan, Shanxi, Hainan, Nanjing, Guilin, Xiangyang, Fuzhou, and Wuxi as well as Cambodia's Sihanoukville and Koh Kong provinces, delivered speeches. They shared their perspectives and proposed suggestions on how to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, effectively utilize local government and sister city cooperation channels, and expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, tourism, culture, and youth. Their contributions provided local insights into the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. The conference culminated in a broad consensus and yielded several significant outcomes. At the conference, exchange cooperation agreements were signed between the Yungang Academy of China's Shanxi Province and the Authority for the Protection and Safeguarding of Angkor and the Region of Angkor (APSARA National Authority), and between the Wuxi Institute of Technician Jiangsu Province and the Cambodia-China Friendship Polytechnic Institute in Sihanoukville.During the conference, President Yang Wanming held talks with Ek Sam Ol, Huot Hak, and Prak Sophoan, gave interviews to Chinese and Cambodian media, and participated in China-Cambodia cultural and artistic exchange activities.The event featured captivating theatrical performances by Chinese soprano Wang Ying and the Gao Bin Art Troupe, who performed alongside Cambodian artists. A highlight of the cultural exchange was a flash mob performance by Chinese artists at Angkor Wat, further enriching the program and showcasing the vibrant cultural ties between the two nations.

On November 8, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Global Neighbours jointly hosted a roundtable discussion on China-European Union (EU) relations in Beijing under the theme "EU-China Partnership: Shaping the Future Together". Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, Jovanka Porsche, Chairwoman of the Global Neighbours, and Christian Kern, former Chancellor of Austria and President of the Global Neighbours, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. Wu Hongbo, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs, presented a keynote speech titled "Jointly Creating a Brighter Future for China-EU Relations".Those who also attended the event include: Zhu Guangyao, former Chinese Vice Minister of Finance, Jiang Jiang, Vice President of the CPAFFC, Pan Jiang, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Feng Zhongping, Director of the Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Zhou Xiaoyan, Vice President of the China Council for International Investment Promotion, Huang Yiping, Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University, Shi Zhiqin, Executive Director of the Belt and Road Institute of Strategic Studies at Tsinghua University, Cui Hongjian, Professor of the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Wang Tong, Vice President of the Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co., Ltd., Philipp Rösler, former Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology of Germany, and Secretary-General of the Global Neighbours, Herta Däubler-Gmelin, former Federal Minister of Justice of Germany; Marcos Troyjo, former Deputy Minister of Economy of Brazil and former President of the New Development Bank, Gu Xuewu, Director of the Center for Global Studies of the University of Bonn, Eberhard Sandschneider, a renowned scholar on international relations and China expert, Xu Feiyu, Non-Executive Director of Airbus, and Oliver Radtke, Managing Director of the Global Neighbours. They conducted in-depth discussions on the meeting's theme and reached a broad and positive consensus.In his keynote address, Wu Hongbo highlighted that the world is undergoing profound and major changes and faces significant challenges, including international security, global development, and the coexistence of civilizations. He noted the frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU, the steady expansion of practical cooperation, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. However, he also acknowledged existing challenges, including economic and trade frictions and geopolitical issues. Wu emphasized that China views its relationship with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective and advocates resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation. He called for cooperation that transcends differences in ideology and values. Wu underscored the importance of 2025, which will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He stressed that as two major powers, markets, and civilizations, China and the EU have a shared responsibility to act as a steadfast force for world peace, promote common development and continuously promote the integration and progress of human civilization.The experts and scholars who attended the meeting believed that the development of China-EU relations in the past period has been mixed. On the positive side, bilateral relations have shown a stabilizing momentum. In particular, the frequent high-level exchanges between China and the EU since the beginning of this year reflect the trend of some European countries and the EU to adopt a rational China policy and the complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-EU cooperation. At the same time, due to the EU's "triptych (rival, partner and competitor)" toward China, "de-risking" and "reducing dependence" on China, trade protectionism and the thinking of attaching political and ideological labels to economic issues and overstretching the concept of security have spread, resulting in twists and turns in China-EU economic and trade relations. Europe's insufficient understanding of China has also led to a decline in mutual trust between the two sides, making it difficult for the two sides to effectively implement the consensus reached earlier at the specific level.Despite the many challenges facing China-EU relations, the participants agreed that against the backdrop of major changes and profound adjustments in major-country relations and geopolitics, China-EU relations are becoming increasingly important, and the roundtable is timely. China and the EU are interdependent and their interests are inextricably intertwined. The two sides share a common aspiration and vision for practicing multilateralism and addressing global challenges. They have enormous potential for cooperation in the digital economy, green transition, artificial intelligence and its governance. As participants and beneficiaries of globalization, the two sides should help each other succeed, rather than decoupling and disrupting industrial and supply chains. The China-EU relations face more opportunities than challenges in the coming years. Therefore, they should strengthen people-to-people exchanges, enrich China-EU relations with culture, education, youth exchanges and cooperation, and make continuous efforts to improve the public opinion environment for bilateral relations and rebuild popular support for mutual understanding. This will help put China-EU relations back on the right track of mutual respect, objectivity, rationality and pragmatic cooperation, ensure the steady and sustainable growth of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.In his concluding remarks, Yang Wanming summarized the consensus reached during the discussion, emphasizing mutual trust, peace, cooperation, and exchanges as the takeaways. Yang stressed that rational thinking and concrete actions are essential to implement the consensus reached by both sides. Under the new circumstances, China and the EU should respect each other, maintain open communication, strengthen dialogue, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. He also called on both sides to uphold multilateralism, respect the authority of the UN and the Security Council, and advocate for a multipolar world that champions international fairness and justice. Yang concluded by expressing the CPAFFC's commitment to deepening exchanges and cooperation with the Global Neighbours and their European insightful people to contribute to the growth of China-EU relations and global peace and stability.Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Vienna, the Global Neighbours aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

On November 6, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Seo Cheong-won, President of the Korea-China Friendship Association, and his delegation at the CPAFFC. The two sides held an in-depth discussion on China-ROK relations, people-to-people friendship, and bilateral cooperation, reaching positive consensus on several key points.Yang Wanming appreciated the positive role played by the Korea-China Friendship Association in facilitating people-to-people exchanges between China and the ROK and promoting the development of China-ROK relations. He also said that China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperative partners. Over the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, friendship and cooperation have always been the mainstream of bilateral relations. This has brought enormous benefits to the two countries and peoples and contributed to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Yang referenced recent high-level meetings, during which President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang met with ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol to chart the course for the development of China-ROK relations. He noted the encouraging momentum of improved bilateral relations, supported by increased exchanges and cooperation on multiple fronts. Yang highlighted China's recent announcement of a visa-free policy for ROK citizens on a trial basis, emphasizing that this move demonstrates the Chinese government's strong commitment to enhancing relations. He expressed confidence that this policy would further boost friendly cooperation and facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries. Yang also reaffirmed the CPAFFC's readiness to collaborate with the KCFA to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and create platforms for subnational exchanges, cultural collaboration, and youth engagement.Seo Cheong-won expressed appreciation for President Yang Wanming's efforts to strengthen China-ROK relations and praised the CPAFFC's long-standing contributions to fostering people-to-people friendship between the two countries. He highlighted the positive reception of China's recent visa-free policy by the people of the ROK and expressed confidence that it would enhance friendly exchanges and further bilateral development. Seo pledged the KCFA's commitment to deepening cooperation with the CPAFFC and contributing to political, economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges to foster greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, Hwang Woo-yea, former Deputy Prime Minister of the ROK, and Lee Hun-seung, Member of the ROK National Assembly, attended the meeting.

On November 5, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with a delegation of Brazilian youth leaders at the CPAFFC.President Yang Wanming engaged in a cordial exchange with the delegation and provided a brief overview of China's economic and social development achievements since the start of reform and opening up in 1978. He highlighted that China and Brazil are both major developing countries and important emerging markets, and bilateral relations have grown steadily over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Yang noted that in April 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reached an important consensus on opening up new prospects for China-Brazil relations in the new era. As a Chinese saying goes, "The key to sound relations between states lies in amity between the people". He expressed hope that through this visit, Brazilian youth leaders would gain a comprehensive and multidimensional understanding of the real China, build bridges of mutual understanding and friendship, and contribute to deepening the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership and fostering people-to-people friendship.The delegation primarily consisted of members from prominent Brazilian family-owned businesses, including Suzano Papel e Celulose, Gerdau S.A., and the CGB Group. All of these young representatives were visiting China for the first time. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to Yang for taking the time to meet with them and commended China’s remarkable achievements in high technology, new energy, and sustainable development. They expressed enthusiasm for fostering long-term exchanges and cooperation with the CPAFFC, organizing more Brazilian youth to come to China to get a deeper understanding of the country, and jointly creating opportunities for young business leaders from Brazil and China to enhance interaction, explore business opportunities, and pursue joint development.After the meeting, CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin had dinner with the delegation. Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, also attended the event.

On November 3, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), met with Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), at the CPAFFC.Yang Wanming emphasized the enduring bond between China and Cuba, describing the two nations as good friends, good comrades, and good brothers. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 60 years ago, the two parties and countries have upheld a relationship rooted in sincerity, trust, and mutual support. He noted that both countries have provided consistent assistance to one another during challenging times, further strengthening their traditional friendship. Guided by the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and taking the upcoming 65th anniversary of China-Cuba diplomatic relations in 2025 as an opportunity, Yang stated that the CPAFFC will work closely with the ICAP to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at the subnational level and in the cultural field, build more bridges for friendly exchanges between young people, and further promote and develop the special friendship between the Chinese and Cuban peoples.Fernando González Llort extended warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC's establishment and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the consistent support and assistance Cuba has received from its Chinese brothers in all difficult times, despite the geographic distance between the two countries.Looking to the future, González expressed the ICAP's commitment to strengthening its exchanges with the CPAFFC. He pledged to actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through closer cooperation at the primary level and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, and Alberto Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China, attended the meeting.

From October 20 to 24, 2024, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), led a delegation to attend the 25th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Friendship Cities Exchange Conference and visited Busan and Gwangju metropolises, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in the ROK. He had in-depth exchanges with people from all sectors of society in the ROK and had an in-depth exchange of views on China-ROK friendship and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and reached a broad positive consensus.During the visit, Yang met with Park Heong-joon, Chair of the Governors Association of the ROK (GAROK) and Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, Shin Soo-jung, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council, Go Gwang-wan, Executive Deputy Mayor of Gwangju, Kim Byung-nae, Head of the Nam District of Gwangju, and Oh Young-hoon, Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, among other Korean local government leaders.During the meeting, Yang Wanming emphasized that China and the ROK are inseparable neighbors and cooperative partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, friendship and cooperation have remained the cornerstone of China-ROK relations. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-ROK relations have experienced rapid growth, with fruitful economic and trade cooperation bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. Yang noted that, since the beginning of 2024, exchanges and cooperation between China and the ROK across various domains have become more active, signaling a positive momentum in bilateral relations. He called for enhanced communication and dialogue to deepen political mutual trust and further solidify China and the ROK as friendly neighbors of mutual trust and partners of common achievements. Yang also emphasized the importance of fostering healthy, steady, and substantial development of China-ROK relations. The foundation of China-ROK relations lies in our societies, and its vitality stems from subnational exchanges. Subnational cooperation serves as a critical channel and effective platform for advancing state-to-state relations. It is anticipated that the ROK and China will work closely together to actively support and participate in bilateral and multilateral exchange mechanisms such as the China-ROK Governors' Meeting and the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference, with the goal of accelerating regional integration.Park Heong-joon highlighted Busan's active engagement in city diplomacy and expressed hope for early discussions with China on holding the 3rd ROK-China Governors' Meeting. He emphasized the importance of strengthening practical cooperation between enterprises in both countries to drive mutual benefit. Kang Ki-jung underscored Gwangju's commitment to maintaining close exchanges with China. He noted that, particularly in times of bilateral challenges, communication between local governments and fostering people-to-people friendship are of even greater importance. Oh Young-hoon spoke of Jeju's enduring popularity among Chinese tourists. To further enhance this connection, he promptly introduced a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors. He expressed his determination to deepen exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with China and welcomed more Chinese tourists to Jeju, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.President Yang also met with Seo Eui-taek, Honorary President of the Korea-China Friendship Association (KCFA); Shin Jung-taek, President of the KCFA; Moon Byung-chae, President of the ROK-China Friendly Association of Businessman; Yang Seung-hak, President of the Korea Industry-Academia Cooperation Research Institute; Lee Jong-kook, Executive Vice-President of the Korea Foundation; Lee Kang-hyun, President of the National Asian Culture Center; Cho Gyeong-wan, Head of the Gwangju China Friendship Center; Kim Eel-hwan, President of Jeju National University; Ahn Sang-luk, President of the Gwangju Branch of the Korea-China Cultural Association; Lee Kyung-bu, President of the Gwangju Branch of the Korea-China Economic, Cultural and Educational Association and Vice President of Gwangnam Daily Newspaper; Kang Won-koo, Central President of the Korea-China Cultural Exchange Association and recipient of the title of Honorary Citizenship of Nanchang City, and other leaders of friendly organizations. He visited the National Asian Culture Center, the Chung Yul-song Memorial Block, the Gwangju China Friendship Center, the Confucius Institute at Honam University in Gwangju, and the Jeju National University. Yang also held talks and exchanges with teachers and students at the Confucius Institute and representatives of Chinese and Korean youth. He encouraged the younger generations and members of these organizations to contribute actively to the development of China-ROK friendly relations and the promotion of people-to-people friendship.Yang Wanming reiterated that people-to-people friendship is the key to fostering state-to-state relations. It serves as both the foundation and the source of strength for the enduring relationship between China and the ROK. Making the 70th anniversary of the CPAFFC, Yang noted that the CPAFFC is ready to use this milestone as a new starting point to promote friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in the fields of culture, art, media, and youth. These efforts aim to ensure the steady and sustainable growth of China-ROK relations.The friendship organizations in the ROK highly appreciated China's tremendous achievements in economic and social development and expressed their willingness to strengthen communication with the CPAFFC, work together to deepen practical cooperation in all fields, expand sister city and subnational cooperation, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, especially youth exchanges, and participate more actively in bilateral or multilateral exchange mechanisms, so as to jointly make positive contributions to the peace, development and prosperity of Northeast Asia.Chen Ribiao, Consul General of China in Busan, Chen Jianjun, Consul General of China in Jeju, and Zhou Jihua, Acting Consul General of China in Gwangju, attended the above events.

On October 31, Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), attended a dinner hosted by Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China, at the residence of the Australian Ambassador to China upon invitation.Yang Wanming noted that, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Australia relations have shown a good momentum with continuous improvement and development. Institutional dialogues have resumed across various domains, and exchanges at all levels have expanded significantly. Yang emphasized that people-to-people and sub-national exchanges provide stability, resilience, and dynamism to bilateral relations. He expressed the CPAFFC's willingness to collaborate with the Australian Embassy in China to deepen practical cooperation at the subnational level and between sister cities of the two countries. Yang also called for enhanced exchanges and cooperation in fields such as culture, the arts, smart cities, environmental governance, science and technology, and youth development, with the shared goal of advancing the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.Scott Dewar welcomed Yang Wanming to the official residence and appreciated the positive role played by the CPAFFC in promoting the development of bilateral relations and friendly people-to-people exchanges over the years. He noted that the Australian Embassy in China is committed to working with the CPAFFC to promote cultural and artistic collaboration, deepen subnational exchanges, and create favorable conditions for more young Australians to visit China. Such initiatives, Dewar remarked, would enable young Australians to gain firsthand knowledge of and experience in China, further enhancing mutual understanding.Sun Tao, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of the CPAFFC, accompanied President Yang to the event.

From October 21 to 22, 2024, the 25th China-Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Friendship Cities Exchange Conference was successfully held in Gwangju Metropolitan City, ROK. Co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Governors Association of the ROK (GAROK), and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) of Japan, the conference focused on the theme "Strengthening Trust among Local Governments of China, Japan, and the ROK for Solving Complex Issues". Approximately 400 participants attended, including President Yang Wanming and Vice President Yuan Mindao of the CPAFFC, as well as nearly 150 representatives from 39 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. Representatives of local governments and related institutions from 27 provinces, metropolitan cities and districts in ROK, along with 11 prefectures and cities in Japan, also participated. Notable attendees included You Min-bong, Secretary General of the GAROK, Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, Shin Soo-jung, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council, Yasuda Mitsuru, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the CLAIR, and Yamaguchi Nobuhiko, Vice Governor of the Osaka Prefecture.In his speech, President Yang Wanming emphasized the close geographic and cultural ties among China, Japan, and the ROK, noting their importance as neighbors and major players in regional and global stability. Yang stated that a sound and stable China-Japan-ROK relationship is essential for the fundamental interests of the three nations and their peoples, as well as for peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world at large. Highlighting the 25th anniversaries of both the China-Japan-ROK Cooperation Mechanism and the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference, Yang pointed out that China and Japan have established 266 pairs of sister cities, while China and the ROK have formed 225 such partnerships. Yang called on the participants to fully leverage the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference as a bridge, strengthen practical cooperation in the economic and trade fields, jointly promote scientific and technological progress and industrial upgrading, and foster new growth areas for regional economic development. Yang also called to bolster exchanges and mutual learning in the cultural field and reinforce the cultural identity of the people from the three countries while nurturing cultural affinity among them, thereby strengthening people-to-people bonds. We should intensify friendly exchanges among young people, build more youth exchange mechanisms and platforms, and train active participants and successors for the cause of trilateral friendship. He also called the three countries to join hands to address global challenges, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and contribute insights and strength to the well-being of people in the three countries and the peace and development of the world.You Min-bong welcomed the local government delegations of China and Japan to the ROK for the conference and expressed his gratitude to the CPAFFC for organizing nearly 150 Chinese representatives to participate. He noted that, after 25 years of development, the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference has become a vital platform for the local governments of the three countries to deepen mutual trust, enhance friendship, and promote cooperation. He expressed hope that the representatives of the local governments of the three countries would strengthen the bond of cooperation during the conference, work together to tackle common challenges, and jointly create a bright future for Northeast Asia.Yasuda Mitsuru emphasized the growing importance of strengthening local exchanges and cooperation in the face of a complex international landscape. He stressed that Japan, China, and the ROK, as close neighbors with shared historical and cultural ties, should enhance people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation in economic, cultural, youth, and local fields to contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.Kang Ki-jung welcomed the gathering of local government officials from the three countries in Gwangju. He highlighted Gwangju's reputation as the "ROK Capital of Culture and Arts" and affirmed the city's commitment to fostering local exchanges and cooperation with Japan and China.Li Hongtao, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Henan Province, Fang Chunbiao, Deputy Mayor of Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, Xie Yanbing, Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Yibin Municipality, Sichuan Province, and Pan Xingxing, Director of the Economic Development Division of the Research Office of Beijing Municipal People's Government, also delivered speeches at the conference. Participants from the three countries engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as "Promoting Urban and Citizen Exchanges among China, Japan, and Korea", "Creating Sustainable Eco-Friendly Cities", and "Revitalizing Local Economies, including Smart Cities". Participants shared experiences and explored opportunities for cooperation in pursuit of common development.The conference achieved broad consensus and positive results. Participants agreed that the successful holding of the conference has enhanced mutual understanding, deepened the friendship among the local governments of the three countries, gained valuable experience in urban governance, and effectively intertwined exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, energy, people-to-people exchanges, education, and youth programs. Moving forward, the local governments of the three countries will work together to reinforce the foundation of people-to-people friendship, build bridges for subnational cooperation, and jointly safeguard regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.The conference concluded with the announcement that its 26th edition will be held in 2025 in Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu Province. Gao Shangde, Deputy Mayor of Yancheng, introduced the city's achievements and extended a warm invitation to representatives from China, Japan, and the ROK to attend next year's event.During the conference, Korean artists performed traditional cultural programs, and the children's choir sang three folk songs from China, Japan and the ROK in Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages, respectively, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere.First initiated in 1999 and jointly organized by the CPAFFC, the GAROK, and the CLAIR, the China-Japan-ROK Friendship Cities Exchange Conference is held annually on a rotating basis among the three countries. It serves as a platform for addressing shared concerns of local governments of the three countries and promoting trilateral exchanges and cooperation.

On October 19, the International Conference to Commemorate the 2575th Anniversary of Confucius' Birth and the 7th Congress of the International Confucian Association (ICA) opened in Beijing. Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and Chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the opening ceremony and delivered an address. The ceremony was presided over by Sun Chunlan, President of the ICA. Fukuda Yasuo, former Prime Minister of Japan and Council Chair of the ICA, Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister of Italy, and Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France, delivered speeches in person or through virtual means. Other attendees included Shao Hong, Wang Dongfeng and Liu Yandong. President Yang Wanming delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).In his remarks, Yang Wanming congratulated the ICA on the convening of the conference and highlighted the enduring value of Confucianism as a cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. He stated that Confucianism embodies the most profound pursuits of the Chinese nation and provides vital nourishment for its growth and development. Moreover, Confucianism has made extraordinary contributions to human civilization and continues to offer inspiration for addressing contemporary global challenges.Yang emphasized that 2024 marks two significant anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the CPAFFC. He referenced President Xi Jinping's important speech delivered on October 11 at the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of the CPAFFC. In his address, President Xi underscored the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Looking ahead, Yang pledged that the CPAFFC will deepen its collaboration with the ICA and remain guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and the Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, and give better play to the role of people-to-people diplomacy as a main channel and the role of Confucianism as a bridge. It will work with people of insight to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. Together, they will build more platforms for conveying truths through culture, allowing Chinese civilization to flourish and adding splendor to human civilization; establish additional channels for spreading voices through culture, developing new platforms, mechanisms, and models for cultural dialogue and cooperation that will benefit both the Chinese people and people around the world; and set up more platforms for fostering friendship through culture, enhancing mutual understanding and affinity among peoples, particularly the youth of different nations, contributing insights and strength at the grassroots' level to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.