On September 10, the finals of the 2024 "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition, hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and organized by the Chengdu Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, along with the Sichuan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Chengdu University, was successfully held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Vice President Yan Dong of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Wang Qian, Vice Mayor of Chengdu, attended and delivered speeches.Yan stated that writing serves as a witness to history, a guardian of tradition, and a transmitter of civilization. "Civilization becomes vibrant through exchange, and it enriches through mutual learning. Civilizational exchange and mutual learning are vital driving forces for advancing human civilization and world peace". In March 2023, President Xi Jinping first proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating for the coexistence and mutual learning of different civilizations. This year's event, themed "Trust", aims to further convey the core values of Chinese culture, unite global cooperation consensus, and promote shared values of humanity and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.Yan remarked that the world, era, and history are changing in unprecedented ways, but honesty and integrity remain our unwavering values. He expressed hope that participants would use Chinese characters as a medium to become ambassadors of friendly exchanges between different civilizations, promoting civilizational exchanges and mutual learning to create a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.Ten contestants from the United States, Congo (Brazzaville), Egypt, France/South Africa, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, Togo, and Vietnam shared their insights on Chinese culture and told stories of "trust", each expressing their connection to Chinese characters. Ultimately, the contestant from France/South Africa, Luo Yase, won the grand prize, while others received first, second, and third prizes. Zheng Yongzhen from the University of Seoul won the overseas excellence award.The "My Story of Chinese Hanzi" International Story Competition, initiated by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, has been held for four consecutive years since 2021, with nearly ten thousand foreign Chinese learners from over 80 countries/regions participating, collectively writing a beautiful story of civilizational mutual learning and mutual trust.

On September 2, Vice President Jiang Jiang met with Knappen, Chairman of the Netherlands China Friendship Association, at the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between their organizations and promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and the Netherlands.

On August 29, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the San Marino China Friendship Association delegation led by President Barbara Terenzi in Beijing.Yuan stated that San Marino and China have consistently adhered to mutual respect and equal benefits, establishing a model for harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes, systems, and cultures. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is willing to strengthen cooperation with the San Marino China Friendship Association to make new contributions to the development of relations between China and San Marino.Terenzi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The San Marino China Friendship Association extends its warm congratulations. The delegation hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of China's achievements in recent years through this friendship trip and is committed to introducing a real and comprehensive China to the people of San Marino and Europe.

On August 18, 2024, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations co-hosted a meeting in Guangzhou between the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To Lam and representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship.Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Approximately 150 representatives from Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other provinces, along with main members of To Lam's delegation and diplomats from the Vietnamese Embassy in China, attended the event. Vice President Jiang Jiang of the CPAFFC delivered a speech, while Vice President Yuan Mindao presided over the event.During the event, To Lam took commemorative photos with the representatives of Chinese proponents of Vietnam-China friendship and delivered a keynote speech. He expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the Party, the government, and the people of Vietnam for the long-standing support provided by the Party, the government, and the people of China during Vietnam's revolutionary struggle and in its current national development. To Lam emphasized that Vietnam places great importance on its relationship with China, regarding it as a top priority. He stressed the commitment to carrying forward the traditional friendship that was personally forged by the older generations of leaders from both countries, including Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong. To Lam expressed his hope that the "profound Vietnam-China friendship, from comradeship to brotherhood" will continue to grow in a healthy, stable, and pragmatic manner, bringing greater benefits to both nations. He called on the friendship advocates from both sides to work together to ensure that this special relationship is passed on through generations, to further deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and to make significant contributions to building a Vietnam-China community with shared strategic interests.At the meeting, Yu Shuhui, a former medical worker from Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region who provided aid in Vietnam, and Su Airong, a researcher from the Guangdong Revolutionary History Museum, shared their personal experiences of Vietnam-China friendship. Both pledged to continue to uphold and promote the traditional friendship between the two nations, contributing to the ongoing narrative of "comradeship turning into brotherhood" in Vietnam-China relations.The meeting concluded with the performance of the friendship song "Vietnam-China", which further enhanced the warm and amicable atmosphere of the event.

On August 5, Vice President Yan Dong met with Issa Murad, Chairman of the Senate Jordan-China Friendship Committee, and his delegation at the CPAFFC. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on China-Jordan relations and issues of mutual interest regarding people-to-people exchanges. Also in attendance were Hussam Husseini, Jordanian Ambassador to China, and Ji Yongjun, Director General of the Department of  Asian and African Affairs of the CPAFFC.Yan Dong emphasized that Jordan is a vital partner for China in promoting peace and development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the political trust between the two nations has deepened, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has continuously advanced under the strategic direction of the leaders of China and Jordan. As a national organization dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy, the CPAFFC is committed to working alongside Jordanian friends from all sectors to enhance cultural exchanges, foster practical sub-national cooperation, and promote youth engagement. He also highlighted the successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which introduced over 300 major reform initiatives, including one focused on expanding high-level openness. Yan expressed the hope that both sides could seize this opportunity to further strengthen cooperation, broaden channels for exchanges, and continue to deepen mutual understanding, thereby contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.Senator Issa Murad reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to developing its relations with China and praised China’s fair and just stance on the Palestinian issue. He expressed hope that China would play an even greater role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Murad also noted that last year, Jordan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He underscored Jordan’s willingness to strengthen policy coordination, deepen trade relations, promote people-to-people exchanges, and enhance cooperation in the fields of culture, economy, and tourism under the principles of consultation, contribution and shared benefits, with the aim of further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

On August 5, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with the delegation from the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association, led by its President Shiroki Nobutaka, in Beijing.Yuan commended the association for its long-standing dedication to promoting friendly exchanges between China and Japan, particularly for the support extended during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beijing Winter Olympics. He emphasized that the foundation of China-Japan friendship lies in grassroots engagement. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the CPAFFC, and Yuan expressed a desire to seize this opportunity to collaborate with insightful individuals from sectors in Japan to advance exchanges and cooperation in local and cultural fields. The goal is to strengthen public support for China-Japan friendship and ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.Shiroki expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted that this year is the 60th anniversary of the Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association. He stated that the delegation’s visit aims to study the history of China-Japan relations and observe China’s recent achievements in economic and social development. By reflecting on history and focusing on the future, Shiroki expressed a commitment to further enhancing exchanges, especially among young people, to continuously advance the cause of China-Japan friendship through grassroots efforts.

On August 1, Vice President Yuan Mindao met with Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) member Abe Toshiko and her delegation in Beijing. Among the delegation were Yata Wakako, Assistant to the Prime Minister, National Democratic Party Senator Ito Takae, Independent Senator Hirayama Sachiko, as well as key representatives from the Japanese Embassy in China, including Yokochi Akira, Minister-Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in China and Zhang Xiaoping, Deputy Director General of the Department of Eastern Asian Affairs.Vice President Yuan welcomed Abe’s second visit to China within three months, commending her positive efforts in fostering and advancing China-Japan relations. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Japanese lawmakers and other insightful figures to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in economy, sub-national government, culture, youth engagement and other fields.Abe and the members of her delegation remarked that their visit provided them with a more comprehensive and objective understanding of China’s recent progress, as well as the state of Japan-China exchanges and cooperation across sectors. They emphasized their commitment to promoting mutual understanding and deepening cooperation through continued dialogue, thereby contributing to the steady improvement and development of bilateral relations.At the invitation of the CPAFFC, Abe Toshiko and her delegation visited Dalian, Beijing, and other cities from July 30 to August 3. During their time in Dalian, they were received by Xiong Maoping, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Dalian Municipal Committee.

Beijing, August 2, Xinhua — The 11th National Council Meeting of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) concluded in Beijing on August 2. The meeting reviewed and approved the work report of the 10th National Council, the report on amendments to the statutes, and the resolutions of the 11th National Council Meeting. It also elected the members of the 11th Executive Council, as well as the President, Vice Presidents, and Secretary-General.The meeting called on the entire CPAFFC system to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It emphasized the need to assume a more proactive historical responsibility and embrace a more dynamic spirit of innovation. The goal is to open a new chapter for people-to-people diplomacy in the new era, and to work in solidarity towards the realization of national rejuvenation and the building of a strong country, while contributing to the advancement of a community with a shared future for mankind.

With rising tension between the world's two largest economics, decoupling, at least in some form, seems to be a growing risk. Even more noteworthy is the growing misunderstanding between the United States and China. According to a new Pew Research Center survey, more than 70 percent of Americans hold negative views towards China – the highest level since Pew began the survey in 2005. Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, told CGTN Dialogue, that there are many reports in the media about the tensions between China and the United States, but he believes that this is not the whole picture of the bilateral relations.  "President Nixon told Chairman Mao, there's no reason for us to become enemies," said Lin. He added, according to his personal experience, many Americans in China still hold positive views of China. Therefore, he thinks that the governments of both countries should endeavor to clear up misunderstandings. "If we see each other as enemies, we can fight every day, and we can destroy each other," Lin stated. "But if we can change the perception, we could be friends." In regard to the rising risk of decoupling, Lin Songtian thinks it's highly unlikely as the Chinese market still has huge potential, providing profitability, stability and efficiency for business. On the one hand, China's social stability guarantees business operations, while on the other hand, China's strong infrastructure and industrialization can provide efficiency for businesses.  While the United States has strong financial and technology industries, the size of China's population makes it still one of the most attractive markets in the world. "We have 1.4 billion population with more than 400 million middle-income population," Lin said. "How can you isolate yourself from this huge market?" Kenneth Jarrett, senior advisor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, agreed with Lin, saying that only some sectors may face decoupling, but a complete decoupling between China and the United States is not possible.  "Decoupling as a political objective defined as complete separation of the two economies, this is not going to happen, because globalization is too far along and it can't go back," Jarrett stated. Jarrett pointed out that although many low-end industrial chains, such as apparel and toy manufacturing, are leaving China, this is not a sign of decoupling, and these supply chain decisions are driven by business and economic decisions.  Speaking of the prospect of China-U.S. relations, Lin Songtian said the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is willing to make greater efforts to promote friendly exchanges between the two countries, providing more platforms for Americans and people all over the world to come to China and experience China's diverse culture. "I got three messages for the bilateral relations between China and America. First, the general direction for the win-win cooperation will not change. The second is that both the Chinese people and American people share the common aspiration for a better life or better world. The third is, I think we can work together to make a common dream come true," Lin concluded.  "Dialogue" is a prime time English-language daily talk show on CGTN. The 30-minute program covers a wide range of domestic and international topics, providing a balanced and critical perspective on current affairs and analysis within the framework of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary comparisons.Schedule: Monday-SundayTime (GMT): 03:30, 11:30, 19:30(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)Reprinted from CGTN

The Exhibition Building Dreams with Ingenuity: Folk Art Tells China’s Poverty Alleviation Stories, organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), officially opened on the United Nations Day on October 24. H.E. Amb. Lin Songtian, President of the CPAFFC, wrote the preface, and Ms. Amakobe Sande, interim United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, sent a congratulatory message to the exhibition. Lin expressed in the preface that 2020 is the target year for China to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realize its first centenary goal. It is also the final year to eradicate absolute poverty. China will meet the poverty reduction targets set by the UN plan Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. On the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the CPAFFC holds the Exhibition Building Dreams with Ingenuity: Folk Art Tells China’s Poverty Alleviation Stories. Through folk arts of intangible cultural heritage, the exhibition showcases Chinese people’s active exploration in poverty reduction and shares China’s successful experience in this respect, contributing Chinese wisdom and solution to sustainable development of mankind.Lin said that Chinese folk art inherits the artistic characteristics and cultural identity of the Chinese nation, and contains the values, wisdom and practical experiences of the nation. It is not only invaluable spiritual wealth of the Chinese nation, but also an important resource as intangible cultural heritage of the world. Lin noted that the exhibition features unique folk art to  epitomize the beauty of nature, life, culture and prosperity of the Chinese people, and express their pride and happiness in creating a better life and their values of pursuing virtue and progress. These works also convey Chinese people’s aspiration for peace and prosperity and their pursuit of dreams.Ms. Sande wrote in her congratulatory message that in past decades, we have witnessed China lift millions of its most vulnerable rural citizens out of extreme poverty. As we reflect on this incredible accomplishment, as illustrated in these works, we also look to the road ahead. The UN stands ready to work with the Government and people of China to protect the gains of the past as we walk the last mile of poverty alleviation together. The exhibition features over 260 pieces of folk handicrafts of intangible cultural heritage from 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, and presents in four units, namely “Cutting Paper with Ingenuity”, “Painting with Ingenuity”, “Carving with Ingenuity” and “Creating with Ingenuity”. It also displays photographs in the unit “Moments of Ingenuity” to record folk craftsmen’s preservation and inheritance of traditional crafts. The exhibition starts from October 24, 2020 to October 24, 2021. Please visit the exhibition via the link://www.chatlady-b.com/association/activity-en.html