A major youth exchange event aimed at strengthening ties between China and Japan was held in Beijing on Thursday, bringing together hundreds of mostly university students for cultural exchange and dialogue.
Co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Japan Friendship Association, the event, titled "Bonded by Heart, Building Peace Together," is part of a key initiative under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing youth exchanges between the two governments.
Nearly 300 Japanese students from across Japan met with Chinese students from institutions such as Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, and Beijing Foreign Studies University.
The participants engaged in interactive discussions and talent performances, filling the attendants with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Japanese students arrived at the Chinese capital after a week-long visit to Shanghai City and the provinces of Shanxi, Jiangxi, Guangdong and Yunnan in several groups since Saturday.
During Thursday's event, the Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, said that promoting people-to-people exchanges between Japan and China aligns with the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. He emphasized that the development of Japan-China relations requires both efforts by the governments and broad participation and support from the people.
Japanese youth participating in the event said that the visit to China enhanced their comprehensive understanding and accurate perception of Chinese history, society, and culture, and allowed them to build valuable friendships with their Chinese peers.
"During this visit to China, I truly felt the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people, as well as the richness and depth of Chinese culture. It sparked a stronger interest in the country and a desire to learn more about China. I hope to visit again someday and be able to communicate with people in more fluent Chinese," said Takuya Uehara, a student from the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
"I believe that through today's activities, we can establish bonds of friendship that transcend national boundaries. In the future, we will contribute our youthful energy to advancing China-Japan relations," said Zhang Tianshuo, a student from Beijing Normal University.
Chinese, Japanese university students gather in Beijing for cultural exchange event
