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

Fuel price hikes due to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict are placing significant cost pressures on livelihood industries in the Philippines and New Zealand, which are heavily dependent on imported energy, while also driving the growth of the new energy vehicle market.

In various gas stations across Manila, the Philippine capital, diesel prices have surged more than twice the levels seen at the end of February, with increases also noted in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.

Businesses such as restaurants and vendors relying on LPG have expressed concerns over escalating costs, fearing they may soon be unable to cover their expenses.

"The cost of our goods has gone up. Our income has decreased as a result. The money we earn is barely enough to cover restocking, let alone pay our employees' wages," said Rey, a food vendor.

In Auckland, New Zealand, a senior executive at a local car dealership said the surge in fuel prices is prompting more consumers in the country to shift from conventional cars to new energy vehicles.

"(Fuel price hike) really has increased the sale of our electric vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles. Consumers are now experiencing battery electric vehicles. They see their economic advantage. It's good for the market. It's also good for New Zealand in terms of sustainability," said Simon Rutherford, CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, a division of Armstrong Motor Group.

Fuel price hikes squeeze livelihoods in energy-importing Philippines, New Zealand