President Yang Wanming Presents Medal in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to International Friends
On September 1, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held the Medal Presentation?Ceremony in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. President Yang Wanming awarded commemorative medals to 55 representatives of international friends. Massimo D'Alema, former Prime Minister of Italy; Viorica D?ncil?, former Prime Minister of Romania; Daniel Andrews, former Premier of Victoria, Australia; Kobayashi Yōkichi, son of Japanese veteran of the Eighth Route Army Kobayashi Kiyoshi; Mangesh Rajan Borkar, grandnephew of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis; Jean-Louis Bussière, son of French doctor André Bing; Mariann Andersen, niece of Danish friend Bernhard Arp Sindberg; Thomas Rabe, grandson of German friend John Rabe; Nikolai?Chuikov, grandson of Marshal Vasily Ivanovich Chuikov of the Soviet Union; Zavizionov, son of a Soviet Red Army veteran, Yuri Zavizionov; Cynthia Chennault, daughter of General Claire Lee Chennault of the American Flying Tigers; Elyn MacInnis, daughter-in-law of Lieutenant Donald MaoInnis of the Flying Tigers; Sarah Murray Stewart, daughter-in-law of New Zealand friend Rewi Alley, and more than 60 representatives of international friends or their families from 14 countries, attended?the event. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, presided over the medal presentation ceremony.In his remarks, President Yang recalled that 80 years ago, the Chinese people fought with unyielding courage, defended homeland with their own flesh and blood, and rose one after another to confront the national crisis. With more than 35 million casualties, the Chinese people sustained the main Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War and made an indelible, historic contribution to the victory of the global struggle against fascism. During this heroic joint resistance, the Chinese people received broad support and sincere assistance from peoples around the world, leaving behind many deeply moving stories. This enduring friendship, forged in shared sacrifice, is etched in the collective memory of the Chinese people and peoples worldwide, and has become a valuable spiritual legacy that continues to inspire joint efforts for global peace and development.President Yang further stressed that,?President Xi Jinping?has called all nations across the world to?learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the Second World War?and?eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring. The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Standing at this historical crossroads, the fundamental truths revealed by the devastation of World War II are all the more evident.?Learning from history to uphold peace,?we must resolutely stand on the side of peace, safeguard the hard-won victory of World War II, and firmly defend the post-war international order—dissolving suspicion with trust and resolving disputes through cooperation.?Learning from history to uphold justice,?we must safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations founded on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.?Learning from history to strengthen people-to-people bonds,?we must advocate a vision of civilizations based on equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness—promoting exchanges to transcend estrangement, mutual learning to transcend conflict, and coexistence to transcend notions of superiority—thereby opening a new chapter of cultural exchange, cultural?integration, and people-to-people connectivity?among all nations.The ceremony was held?in a warm and cordial atmosphere. International guests expressed heartfelt gratitude to China for awarding such a significant medal on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. They recalled with deep emotion the moving stories of themselves or their forebears fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Chinese people and forging lasting friendships, unanimously affirmed that China had made an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and pledged to carry forward and promote the cause of people-to-people friendship between China and other countries, contributing through civil efforts to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
President Yang Wanming Attends and Addresses the Sino-Swiss Dialogue on Cooperation at Local Levelx
To mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland, the Sino-Swiss Dialogue on Cooperation at Local Level, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Swiss Chinese Association, and organized by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, was successfully held in Shanghai on August 28, 2025. Yang Wanming,?President of the CPAFFC;?Chen Jing, President of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries;?Thomas Wagner, Honorary President of the Swiss Chinese Association;?Andries Diener, President of the Swiss Chinese Association;?and Sacha Bachmann, Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai, attended the event and delivered remarks.In his remarks, President Yang noted that Switzerland is?among the first countries to incorporate sustainable development into its national strategy; China has also made green development the defining feature of its high-quality growth. President Xi Jinping emphasizes?that "new quality productive forces are by nature green productive forces."?China and Switzerland share a high degree of alignment in their concepts of green development and enjoy complementary strengths in technological innovation and ecological governance. In particular, subnational cooperation has become a vital platform for the two countries'?joint pursuit of sustainable development.President Yang stressed that the CPAFFC has long been committed to building bridges for subnational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. He expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to further deepen Sino-Swiss cooperation on sustainable development at the subnational level and turn the?outcomes into lasting momentum for bilateral relations. The first is to guide actions with vision,?jointly pursuing?the?green development vision and exploring?a new form of civilization featuring harmony between humanity and nature.?The second is to ensure continuity?with?mechanisms,?building?multi-level cooperation networks and broadening?participation, so that sustainable development cooperation can become fertile ground nourishing subnational exchanges.?The third is to sustain cooperation?with culture, fostering?a culture of sustainable development that extends beyond policy documents into people's daily lives, thereby laying a solid social foundation for Sino-Swiss friendship through civilizational dialogue.Chen Jing observed that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Shanghai and Switzerland have forged profound bonds through subnational cooperation. As a global pioneer in sustainable development, Switzerland has accumulated extensive experience in green transition. Looking into the future, deeper collaboration in sustainable development will inject strong momentum into Sino-Swiss subnational exchanges. He expressed the hope that such cooperation would become more substantive, with closer business linkages, opening new chapters of win-win cooperation and strengthened friendship between the two peoples.The Swiss side emphasized that China plays an important role in today's world, contributing greater stability to global development. In an era of profound change and challenges, people-to-people and subnational exchanges have become all the more important. Since the beginning of this year, multiple exchanges in culture, the arts, and youth engagement have been held between Switzerland and China, with particularly close friendship?city cooperation between Basel and Shanghai. The Swiss side expressed willingness to work with China to further deepen friendship between the peoples, enhance mutual understanding, and jointly contribute to world peace and development.The dialogue, focusing on "cooperation in sustainable development", explored topics such as green energy transition, artificial intelligence empowerment, and smart city governance. Featuring policy briefings, corporate case studies, and academic presentations, the dialogue fostered mutual learning between China and Switzerland at the subnational level in sustainable development and expanded prospects for future cooperation.?More than 60 representatives and experts from government departments, universities, and enterprises in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, as well as the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai, the?Swissnex China, the SwissCham China, and other institutions, attended the event.
Reception Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Swiss Confederation Held in Beijing
On August 27, 2025, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Switzerland in China co-hosted in Beijing a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Swiss Confederation. Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Andrea Caroni, President of the Council of States of the Swiss Federal Assembly, attended the event and delivered remarks. Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Wang Ruihe, Member of the Constitution and Law Committee of the National People's Congress; Jürg Burri, Ambassador of Switzerland to China; Stefan Engler, First Vice President of the Council of States?of the Swiss Federal Assembly; Werner Salzmann, Second Vice President of the Council of States?of the Swiss Federal Assembly; Thomas Wagner, Honorary President of the Swiss Chinese Association; and Andries Diener, President of the Swiss?Chinese?Association, together with representatives from various sectors of two?countries, totaling about 150 distinguished guests attended the event. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the CPAFFC, presided over the reception.In his remarks, Vice Chairman Xiao Jie remarked that over the past 75 years, practical cooperation between China and Switzerland has borne fruitful results, cultural exchanges flourished, and subnational cooperation generated numerous highlights. The two countries have cultivated a spirit of cooperation characterized by "equality, innovation, and mutual benefit", setting an example for cooperation between nations with different social systems, at different stages of development, and of different sizes.?As two important forces committed to peace and multilateralism, China and Switzerland should continue to, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation, write new and compelling chapters in their innovative strategic partnership, and bring greater benefits to the two peoples.President Andrea Caroni?noted that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China, it is important to not only reflect on the past but also look ahead. In the face of global geopolitical turbulence, challenges confronting the world are complex, and no country can address them single-handedly. Only through cooperation can such challenges be overcome. He expressed the hope that?the two countries?build on trust, respect, and friendship, and?continue to move bilateral relations forward.During the reception, performers from China's Central Conservatory of Music and Swiss musicians staged captivating performances. The event was marked by a warm and cordial atmosphere.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Newly Appointed Turkish Ambassador to China Selcuk ünal
On August 26, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with Selcuk ünal, the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to China, at the CPAFFC. The two sides held in-depth exchanges on China-Türkiye?relations, people-to-people exchanges, and subnational cooperation.President Yang congratulated Ambassador Selcuk ünal on his assumption of office in China, noting that Türkiye is an important country in the Middle East, strategically located at the crossroads connecting Europe and Asia. He pointed out that in recent years, under the guidance and care of the two heads of state, relations between China and Türkiye have maintained steady growth, with cooperation across various fields steadily deepening. He emphasized that the CPAFFC attaches great importance to fostering people-to-people friendship with Türkiye and stands ready to work closely with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye?in China to strengthen mutual friendship, expand friendship city cooperation, enhance youth exchanges, and further enrich the China-Türkiye strategic cooperative partnership.Ambassador Selcuk ünal highly commended the CPAFFC for its long-standing contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Türkiye and China. He highlighted that both China and Türkiye are ancient civilizations, and the history of friendly exchanges between the two peoples deserves to be cherished. With next year marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he expressed the readiness of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in China to strengthen cooperation with the CPAFFC, further unlock the potential of friendship city cooperation, and expand collaboration in such fields as think tanks, academia, culture, arts, and education, in order to consolidate the public foundation of bilateral friendship.Ji Yongjun, Director-General of the Department of Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.
2025 China-Japan Friendship Table Tennis Competition for Junior High School Students Successfully Held in Beijing
From August 4 to 6, 2025, the 2025 China-Japan Friendship Table Tennis Competition for Junior High School Students was successfully held in Beijing. The competition was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the China-Japan Friendship Association, the China Table Tennis Association, the Japan-China Friendship Association and the Japan Table Tennis Association.Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Wang Liqin, President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association; Masayoshi Kawada, President of the Japan Table Tennis Association; Takashi Kawatsu, Vice President of the Japan-China Friendship Association; and Kanasugi Kenji, Japanese Ambassador to China delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. At the closing and award ceremony, Cheng Yonghua, Executive Vice President of the China-Japan Friendship Association, and Utsunomiya Tokuichiro, President of the Japan-China Friendship Association, addressed the audience. At the celebratory reception, Vice President Yuan Mindao of the CPAFFC; President Utsunomiya Tokuichiro of Japan-China Friendship Association, Nakahara Shinji, President of All Nippon Airways China, and three representatives of the champion teams delivered remarks respectively. Counselor Nie Jia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Zhang Jian and Vice President Tian Zhihong of Beijing Sport University, Vice President Qin Zhijian of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, Executive Vice President Zhang Qian of the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Second-class Inspector Yang Jun of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, Adviser Takeo Kawamura of the Japan Table Tennis Association and former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Minister Sonoda Yō of the Japanese Embassy in China, Director Yamamoto Tomohiko of the Beijing Office of the Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, and Kashiwagi Midori, Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Center in Beijing, together with about 500 participants including distinguished guests and representatives from the governments, local friendship associations, universities, enterprises, and media of two countries, as well as 42 participating teams jointly formed by friendly exchange cities of China and Japan, took part in the competition and related events.(President Yang Wanming delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the competition)At the opening ceremony, President Yang declared the opening of the competition, noting that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, exchanges and cooperation at various levels have steadily advanced, further enriching the China-Japan relationship of strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation. He stressed that the foundation of friendship lies among the people, and its future rests with the younger generation. Recalling President Xi Jinping's recent message to the World Youth Conference for Peace in Beijing last week, he emphasized that peace depends on the youth, who should act as advocates and practitioners of peace, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for humankind.President Yang added that the youth of China and Japan bear the future of bilateral relations and the mission of friendship: "Only by cherishing peace can sustainable development be ensured; only when the youth are united can the future be bright. I hope that young athletes from two countries will use this competition as an opportunity to enhance understanding, forge friendships, and grow into guardians of peace, inheritors of friendship, and creators of the future."President Utsunomiya Tokuichiro remarked that mixed Chinese and Japanese teams competed side by side and delivered impressive matches. He expressed the hope that young participants would transcend national boundaries, deepen their friendships, and become a driving force for the continued development of China-Japan friendship.Wang Liqin, President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, highlighted that table tennis is not only China's national sport but also a "silver bond" linking the people-to-people friendship between China and Japan. He encouraged the youth to value this exchange, refine their skills, nurture friendships, broaden their horizons, and demonstrate both sportsmanship and camaraderie.Masayoshi Kawada, President of the Japan Table Tennis Association, said that this competition had provided an important platform for exchanges between young people from the two countries' friendship cities, playing a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. He hoped that the participants uphold the spirit of "friendship first", enjoy the competition with passion, and leave with unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships.Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji noted that this competition offered a valuable opportunity for young people from China and Japan to foster mutual understanding through direct interaction. He voiced confidence that these experiences would enable the youth to contribute to peace and development in bilateral relations, the region, and the world at large.(President Yang Wanming and Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji, partnering respectively with Liu Shiwen and Lin Gaoyuan, jointly serves the opening ball of the competition)At the opening ceremony, President Yang Wanming and Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji, partnering respectively with former world champion Liu Shiwen and reigning world champion Lin Gaoyuan, jointly served the opening ball of the competition. Liu Shiwen and Lin Gaoyuan also staged an exhibition match, igniting an electrifying atmosphere among the audience.The competition concluded with the awarding of champions, runners-up, third-place winners, and excellence awards. The Tianjin-Kobe team, Qingdao-Shimonoseki team, and Wuhu-Kochi team emerged as the champions.During the event, junior high school athletes from China and Japan also trained with the Chinese National Youth Table Tennis Team and toured Shougang Park and Beijing Municipal Administrative Center.(Cheng Yonghua, Executive Vice President of the China-Japan Friendship Association and Utsunomiya Tokuichiro, President of Japan-China Friendship Association, present trophies to the champion teams)Since its inception in 1990, the China-Japan Friendship Table Tennis Competition for Junior High School Students has been held eight times. As a regularized exchange event, it features mixed teams of young players from the two countries' friendship cities.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Delegation of Senior Officials from Bulgarian Subnational Governments
On August 4, 2025, President Yang Wanming met with a delegation of senior officials from Bulgarian subnational governments at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The delegation included 25 leaders and representatives from Bulgarian municipalities, including mayors of Ruse, Vidin, Gabrovo, and Shumen, all members of the National Association of the Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria.President Yang extended a warm welcome to the delegation, noting that Bulgaria was among the earliest countries to establish diplomatic relations with the newly founded People's Republic of China, and that the two countries enjoy a long-standing friendship. In recent years, under the leadership and strategic vision of President Xi Jinping and President Rumen Radev, bilateral relations have been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership. The two sides should take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as their guiding principle, work together amid profound global changes, enrich the content of China-Bulgaria friendship, and inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. Not long ago, the 25th China-EU Summit was held in China. At this critical juncture, China and the EU should adhere to the theme of mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance communication, build mutual trust, and deepen collaboration. President Yang expressed the hope that Bulgaria will continue to play an active role in promoting EU-China relations, which should be mutually beneficial and based on mutual respect and equality.President Yang commended Bulgaria for being among the first countries to sign Belt and Road cooperation documents with China. The CPAFFC is ready to work with National Association of the Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria and Bulgarian subnational governments to use the 10th anniversary of China-Bulgaria Belt and Road cooperation this year as an opportunity to deepen political trust, align development strategies, and expand cultural exchanges. These efforts would help bring the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership to new levels of depth and substance. President Yang also invited Bulgarian municipal leaders to attend the China-Bulgaria Local Cooperation Conference, scheduled to be held in Sofia this September, to contribute further to practical cooperation between the two countries' localities.Members of the delegation praised the CPAFFC for its important role in carrying forward the traditional friendship between Bulgaria and China. They stressed that Bulgarian subnational governments attach great importance to cooperation with China and expressed readiness to actively participate in the upcoming Bulgaria-China Local Cooperation Conference. They noted their commitment to leveraging the platform to fully explore opportunities in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and the green transition, with a view to advancing the Bulgaria-China strategic partnership and delivering greater benefits to the two peoples.Director-General Hao Zhongwei and Deputy Director-General Lv Hongwei of the Department of European and Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC were present at the meeting.
President Yang Wanming Attends the Award Ceremony of the "Me and China" Writing Campaign
On July 30, 2025, the Award Ceremony of the "Me and China"?Writing Campaign was held in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); Cui Shixin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People's Daily; and He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Gansu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the occassion. Representatives of writing contributors from 11 countries, along with Chinese and international friends from various sectors, were present.In his remarks, President Yang Wanming stressed that relations between nations ultimately rest on the bonds between their peoples. At a time when global challenges are becoming increasingly interconnected, it is more essential than ever to strengthen mutual understanding, build consensus, exchange ideas, and pursue shared development through dialogue and engagement. The goal of the "Me and China" writing campaign was to invite friends from around the world to jointly compose a new and inspiring chapter of mutual understanding and friendship between China and the rest of the world.?Since its founding over 70 years ago, the CPAFFC has upheld its core principles of friendship, cooperation, peace, and development, fostering deep and lasting ties with peoples across the globe. Looking ahead, the CPAFFC will continue to walk hand-in-hand with international friends?and?cultivate?mutual understanding; serve as a bridge for intercultural exchange and mutual learning; and help weave the fabric of a community with a shared future for mankind, so as to let the trickling streams of people-to-people friendship converge into a mighty river of national friendship.Cui Shixin noted that the "Me and China"?writing campaign was a valuable initiative aimed at strengthening China's international communication capacity. One of its key inspirations is that building friendship is a collective effort, and that the most compelling stories about China should be told by friends from around the world. Going forward, the People's Daily will continue to explore innovative storytelling methods, enhance targeted communication strategies, and broaden the geographic, demographic, and thematic reach of its reporting, striving to present a true, multidimensional, and comprehensive image of China to global audiences.He Wei emphasized that the award ceremony offers an opportunity to fully implement President Xi Jinping's important statement: "people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and long-term state-to-state relations, an unremitting driving force for world peace and development, and a prerequisite for win-win cooperation."?Gansu will leverage its unique strengths to expand people-to-people exchanges with countries around the world and contribute its part to helping international friends better understand and connect with China.K.C. Ma, Vice President of the Flying Tigers Historical Organization, delivered a speech on behalf of the award recipients. He remarked that in today's rapidly changing world, maintaining peace and promoting development remain shared goals of all peace-loving people. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. During World War II, thousands of American Flying Tigers fought side by side with the Chinese people, writing a powerful chapter in the history of China-US friendship. Looking to the future, he expressed hope that the peoples of China and the United States, especially the younger generation, would honor this legacy and carry forward the enduring spirit of the Flying Tigers.The "Me and China"?writing campaign was co-hosted by the CPAFFC and People's Daily, with the award ceremony co-organized by the Gansu Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Since the call for submissions was launched in February 2024, the campaign received over 1,300 entries from more than 80 countries and regions. Thirty-five outstanding writings have been published in People's Daily since June 2024, receiving widespread acclaim from readers both in China and abroad.Also held that day was the?"Silk Road · People-to-People Friendship Dialogue" Story Sharing Session, a story-sharing session featuring representatives from friendship organizations, Chinese enterprises, universities, and research institutions. Alongside international writing contributors, they shared personal accounts of China’s people-to-people exchanges with the world and reaffirmed their dedication to fostering global friendship and mutual understanding.
World Youth Conference for Peace Successfully Held in Beijing
On July 29, 2025, the World Youth Conference for Peace was successfully held at Peking University, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event was jointly hosted by the Chinese People's?Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF). Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the conference. Li Hongzhong, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the event, read the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping, and delivered remarks.?Under the theme "Together for Peace", the conference brought together more than 3,000 participants, including youth representatives from over 130 countries across five continents, international students studying in China, and young representatives from various sectors of Chinese society. A Dong, First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China; Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; and other distinguished Chinese and international guests attended and addressed the event.In his remarks, President Yang Wanming emphasized that the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping profoundly articulated the crucial role of the younger generation in safeguarding global peace and promoting shared development. The message also conveyed high expectations for youth around the world to unite in advancing peace, development, and a shared future, which has provided?tremendous inspiration and encouragement for all attendees.?President Yang shared several moving stories from World War II, including the Diary of Anne Frank, the bravery of the Flying Tigers, and Marshal Nie Rongzhen's rescue of a Japanese orphan girl. He underscored that the tragic lessons of war remain a powerful warning and must never be forgotten. History must not retreat. The world must not be divided—it must unite. The purpose of the conference was to ignite the spark of peace in the hearts of young people worldwide.?Youth are the future of the world and the hope of peace. For?peace, young people must uphold the spirit of people-to-people friendship, foster mutual understanding among civilizations, advance win-win cooperation, and stand together to safeguard global stability. Quoting the message from H.E. President Xi Jinping, he called on youth to "champion the vision of peace, and contribute to peaceful development?", and to work hand in hand in building our shared planet into a peaceful, inclusive, and harmonious global family, together ushering in a brighter future for a community with a shared future for mankind.Following his remarks, President Yang invited youth representatives from China, Palestine, Russia, Ghana, France, and Chile to join him on stage to unveil the conference's landmark outcome document?World Youth Peace Initiative. The document states that, transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. Once again, humanity has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games. As representatives of the youth from around the world, we deeply cherish peace and understand the responsibilities borne by our generation. Only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future. The initiative calls on young people across the globe to defend world peace, pioneer mutual learning among civilizations,?advocate win-win cooperation, tackle climate change, promote "technologies for social good", and?unite for peace and work hand in hand for the?shared future of mankind.The conference unfolded in three themed segments: "Together for Peace", "Voices for Peace"?and "Rhythms for Peace."?The agenda featured a Youth Leaders Dialogue, speeches on the theme of peace, a global youth short video showcase, and vibrant performances of music, dance, magic, and martial arts. The atmosphere was energetic and friendly, filled with youthful vitality and a sincere collective belief in the "Together for Peace."Before and after the conference, youth delegates visited over ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. Through a series of thematic activities, they explored China's path to modernization from multiple perspectives—history, culture, economy, science and technology, and ecological development—gaining firsthand the multifaceted manifestations of the Chinese path to modernization.
President Yang Wanming Attends the Youth Leaders Peace Dialogue
On July 28, 2025, the Youth Leaders Peace Dialogue,?co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), was successfully held in Beijing. CPAFFC President Yang Wanming?attended the opening ceremony and delivered keynote remarks.The dialogue brought together more than 200 representatives from nearly 20 countries, including officials from government agencies, leaders of friendship organizations, and scholars from think tanks and universities across China, Argentina, France, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and others. Distinguished attendees included Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Myanmar; Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing, Minister?of Women, Youth, Sport and?Social Affairs?of Kiribati; Ovezov Velimyrat, Member of the Central Committee of Magtymguly Youth Organization?of?Turkmenistan; Ly?Navuth, Member of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia Central Committee; and Nguy?n Ph?m Duy Trang, Secretary of?the Central Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union?of Vietnam.In his keynote remarks, President Yang underscored that peace has always been a shared aspiration of humankind. He highlighted the critical role of the younger generation in upholding global peace and advancing common development. For peace, the?young people should?carry forward the spirit of people-to-people friendship and unite voices in a powerful call to reject war and cherish peace; promote mutual understanding and dialogue among civilizations and contribute to a vision of mutual achievement and shared progress among countries with diverse cultures, systems, and stages of development; foster win-win cooperation, inject youthful vitality into tackling shared global challenges?and achieving sustainable development; and work together to safeguard global stability and guide humanity toward a future of common progress and lasting peace.Minister Jeng Phang Naw Taung remarked that peace is not a luxury—it is a necessity. He stressed that youth are the future of both their nations and the world, and are a vital force for peace, stability, and development. In the face of mounting geopolitical tensions, young people to step forward, transcend national and generational divides, take an active role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and?foster inclusion, mutual understanding, and trust, thus?building?a peaceful and harmonious world where every individual can look to the future with hope.Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on themes including "Consensus for ?Peace: Voices of Global South Youth Amid Protracted and Escalating Geopolitical Conflicts"?and "Responsibility for Peace:?Collaborative Governance on Misinformation in the AI Era."?They unanimously agreed that, given the current global landscape, youth across the world must enhance dialogue, strengthen mutual trust, deepen friendships, and promote cooperation, working together to build?our shared planet into a peaceful, inclusive, and harmonious global community.This dialogue, one of the supporting activities of the World Youth Conference?for Peace, has reached extensive consensus on jointly pursuing, safeguarding and sharing peace.
President Yang Wanming Meets with Ambassador of Thailand to China Chatchai Viriyavejakul
On July 24, 2025, President Yang Wanming of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with Chatchai Viriyavejakul, Ambassador of Thailand to China?in Beijing. The two sides held in-depth discussions?and?reached?positive consensus on China-Thailand relations, people-to-people friendship, cultural exchanges, and subnational cooperation.President Yang extended a warm welcome to?Ambassador Chatchai Viriyavejakul?to the CPAFFC and noted that this year marks a historic milestone in China-Thailand relations. The two countries are ceremoniously celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties—"The Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship"—in an atmosphere of deep friendship. The CPAFFC has hosted the "China and Thailand, One-Family Bond" friendly exchange event?and Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China, and supported Thai friendship organizations in organizing a variety of events in Thailand, which have attracted wide attention from various sectors in two?countries.President Yang emphasized that over the past five decades, China and Thailand have continuously strengthened mutual trust, deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and fostered close people-to-people exchanges, making the bond?of "?China and Thailand are as close as one family"?ever more meaningful and enduring.?In February this year, President Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister in Beijing and outlined a new blueprint for building a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future. Guided by this high-level consensus, the CPAFFC is ready to work closely with the Royal Thai Embassy in China and Thai friendship organizations?as well as all sectors of Thai society?to build more platforms for people-to-people engagement, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges, and youth friendship. These joint efforts aim to further deepen and substantiated the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future and contribute to ushering in the next "Golden Jubilee"?of China-Thailand relations.Ambassador Chatchai Viriyavejakul?commended the CPAFFC for its long-standing and active contributions to advancing bilateral relations and strengthening people-to-people ties?between China and Thailand, noting that the series of high-profile and heartwarming celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations co-hosted by the CPAFFC and Thai counterparts this year have fully demonstrated China's great importance attached to China-Thailand relations and the profound friendship embodied in the concept "China and Thailand are as close as one family."?The Royal Thai Embassy?stands ready?to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPAFFC and other Chinese counterparts across a wide range of fields and levels, including economy, culture, youth, and subnational government collaboration,?to further deepen mutual understanding and friendship?between the two peoples and elevate Thailand-China relations to new heights.Zhu Dan, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the CPAFFC, was present at the meeting.