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
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
