Participants of Beijing-Tokyo Forum express hope for more China-Japan exchanges

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum was held in Tokyo from Wednesday to Thursday, with the goal of further promoting cooperation between China and Japan.

With the theme of restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through China-Japan cooperation, the forum attracted over 400 officials and representatives from various sectors of the two countries and focused on topics such as fostering multilateral cooperation, ensuring peace and stability, enhancing political trust, deepening economic ties, and promoting cultural exchanges.

"I think the fact that we have gotten over a lot of issues and continued our dialogue has great significance. We should further deepen exchanges between young people and our cultures. Japan and China have been interacting since around 500 AD. Japan was considerably influenced by China. I think we should communicate more," said Takehiko Nakao, former president of the Asian Development Bank.

The forum is seen as a key pillar in maintaining healthy relations and dialogue between China and Japan, according to participants.

"I hope the relationship between Japan and China will continue forever. Since we are involved in many cultural exchanges, I felt that there is a need to further deepen the relationship between Japan and China. I've been to China several times. One year ago, I studied in China for about a year. During my stay in China, I experienced Chinese culture and many aspects of Chinese society. I like China very much," said forum participant Chihaku Umekawa.

"I think that cultural exchanges and conversation among the younger generation of Japan and China are very important," said another participant Anna Moromizato.

Founded in 2005, the annual forum serves as an important platform for interaction and communication between officials and the public of China and Japan.

The 20th forum was jointly organized by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and Japan's Genron NPO, with support from China's State Council Information Office and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants of Beijing-Tokyo Forum express hope for more China-Japan exchanges

The China Media Group (CMG) held the first rehearsal for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Saturday, fine-tuning the highly anticipated TV event amid the festive atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year.

The rehearsal seamlessly integrated innovative technologies with vibrant stage visuals, offering a first glimpse of the gala's overall impact under the theme "Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable.”

Inspired by traditional Chinese culture, the Year of the Horse gala incorporates zodiac themes that symbolize perseverance and progress. The production merges art and technology, using AI, AR, and XR to create immersive, blended-reality visuals. Horse-themed artistic installations shape a dynamic stage, while original songs and opera pieces convey the spirited ethos of the zodiac year.

Robots, which made their debut in last year's gala, will once again take the stage at the Spring Festival Gala, showcasing the country's technological advancements.

Known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, the gala has been broadcast live annually since 1983 and is regarded as a major cultural symbol for the Chinese New Year celebrations in China. This year's gala will air on Feb 16, the eve of the Chinese New Year.

The gala has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program worldwide. Just over a year ago, the Spring Festival itself was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

CMG holds first rehearsal for 2026 Spring Festival Gala