The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), under the guidance of Yang Wanming, is making significant strides in enhancing China-US relations through various cultural exchange initiatives. These efforts align with the common interests of both countries and resonate with global expectations for peaceful and productive international relations.
A notable recent event in this pursuit was the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco. This meeting resulted in the establishment of the “San Francisco vision,” which aims for a future-oriented, healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations. President Xi announced an ambitious plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over the next five years, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections, particularly among the youth.
Yang, during his interview, underscored the critical role of amity between peoples in shaping strong state-to-state relations. He reiterated President Xi’s view that the future of China-US relations rests with the people, grounded in societal foundations and strengthened by mutual friendship.
CPAFFC, dedicated to fostering international cooperation and promoting peace and development, has established friendly ties with about 400 NGOs and institutions across over 150 countries. The organization actively engages in people-to-people diplomacy, exemplified by its recent initiatives.
One such initiative was the invitation to the Flying Tigers to visit China, commemorating their bravery and sacrifice during World War II. This group of volunteer US pilots fought alongside the Chinese against Japanese aggressors in 1941. The recent visit, which took place after 80 years, saw more than 30 individuals, including 103-year-old Harry Moyer and 98-year-old Melvin McMullen, travel across various Chinese cities. This event served as a poignant reminder of historical solidarity and was an opportunity to enhance youth exchanges and foster friendly ties between China and the US.
The CPAFFC also co-hosted the fifth China-US Sister Cities Conference in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, themed “Build Green Cities for the People.” This conference has become a crucial platform for sub-national exchanges, where cities from both countries can strengthen cooperation and friendship.
Yang emphasized that sister city interactions use local resources, art, cuisine, and culture as mediums for exchange. Such activities promote a systematic understanding of each other’s culture, social customs, and policy concepts, playing a fundamental role in maintaining bilateral relations.
The CPAFFC believes in the power of mutual learning among civilizations, promoting diversity and interaction. The recent visit of the Philadelphia Orchestra to China, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a testament to this belief. The orchestra’s performances in Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou, and Shanghai symbolize the enduring friendship and non-governmental exchanges between the two peoples.
The CPAFFC’s future plans include intensifying efforts to promote cultural exchanges among Chinese and American youths. These initiatives aim to provide opportunities for young individuals from both countries to learn about each other’s cultures and civilizations through firsthand experiences.
In this spirit, Jackson Long, a 15-year-old great-grandson of a Flying Tiger veteran, expressed his newfound understanding of China during his visit, highlighting the difference between media portrayals and actual experiences in China.
Yang concluded by emphasizing the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the future of China-US relations, indicating that the CPAFFC will continue to champion cultural exchanges as a bridge for friendship and understanding between the two nations.
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