On May 29th, the China-Japan Youth Friendship Exchange Conference themed "Connecting Hearts, Building Peace Together" was successfully convened at Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing. The significant event, organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Japan Friendship Association, brought together nearly 600 participants, primarily youth representatives from both nations, fostering an atmosphere of cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Distinguished guests delivered keynote addresses, including: Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC; Kanshino Kenji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to China; Zheng Xinye, Vice President of RUC; Sasamoto Masafumi, Executive Director of the Japan-China Friendship Association; Kato Chihiro, Executive Director of the Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association; and Takakubo Yutaka, Professor at the Faculty of Commerce, Nihon University. Their presence underscored the high-level commitment to nurturing bilateral relations through youth engagement.
Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), emphasized the profound geographical and historical ties between the two nations, stating that China and Japan are close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water. He noted the poignant significance of this year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. "Remembering history," he asserted, "is not about perpetuating hatred, but about ensuring the enduring chime of the bell of peace." He expressed his earnest hope that the youth of both countries would actively become "sowers of the seeds of peace, pioneers of innovative cooperation, and builders of bridges connecting our peoples," collectively authoring new chapters in the annals of China-Japan friendship.
Kanshino Kenji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to China, highlighted the indispensable role of public participation in advancing bilateral relations, affirming that "The development of Japan-China relations requires not only governmental efforts but also the broad participation and support of the people." He stressed that promoting personnel exchanges and interactions between the two countries aligns perfectly with the important consensus reached by their leaders. The Ambassador voiced his expectation that this exchange event would serve as a catalyst for Japanese and Chinese youth to forge and sustain lasting friendships.
Zheng Xinye, Vice President of RUC, reaffirmed RUC's longstanding commitment as a constructive force actively facilitating friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan. He expressed the university's readiness to "continue promoting educational and people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan towards broader domains, deeper levels, and higher quality." He further pledged the institution's dedication to "contributing educational strength to advancing China-Japan friendly cooperation, enhancing the well-being of people worldwide, and building a more just, beautiful, and prosperous world."
The Japanese delegation representatives underscored the pivotal role of youth as the new force driving the future development of Japan-China relations. They articulated a strong hope that Japanese youth would "enhance their comprehensive understanding and accurate perception of China's history, society, and culture," form valuable friendships with their Chinese peers, and "continuously strengthen the bonds of Japan-China friendship."
During the conference proceedings, nearly 300 youth delegates from various regions across Japan engaged in vibrant interaction and cultural exchange with their counterparts from several leading Beijing universities. These included students from RUC, Beijing Normal University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing Sport University, Beijing International Studies University, and Beijing Dance Academy. The lively program featured interactive discussions and captivating talent performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both nations, creating moments of shared enjoyment and mutual appreciation.
Representatives from RUC's Office of International Affairs and the Communist Youth League Committee actively participated in the conference. The Student Art Troupe of RUC contributed significantly to the event with a special cultural performance. Earlier on the morning of the 29th, responding to an invitation from the CPAFFC, the Japanese Youth Delegation – organized and dispatched by the Japan-China Friendship Association – visited RUC campus. Guided by representatives from the university's School of Foreign Studies faculty and student body, the delegation undertook a comprehensive campus tour followed by an insightful discussion session, deepening their firsthand experience of the Chinese academic environment and facilitating direct peer-to-peer dialogue.
The event stands as a tangible manifestation of the ongoing commitment to grassroots diplomacy and youth empowerment within the framework of China-Japan relations, providing a vital platform for the next generation to connect personally and envision a shared future underpinned by peace and cooperation.
