More than 50 experts and scholars from almost 20 universities and research institutes across the Chinese mainland and Japan gathered in Beijing on Sunday for a high-profile forum dedicated to reigniting people-to-people exchanges and deepening cultural understanding between the two neighbors.
The event, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Japan-China Friendship Center, spanned wide-ranging discussions—from high-quality development and modernization paths, to comparative social governance, to joint strategies for navigating global transformation and pursuing lasting peace and development.
"People-to-people ties are the cornerstone of robust China-Japan relations," said Xie Fuzhan, president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development. "At a crossroads in bilateral ties, objective understanding and active cultural exchange are more vital than ever."
Kenji Kanasugi, Japanese ambassador to China, pointed to public sentiment as the biggest hurdle for bilateral cooperation. "Emotional understanding takes time. Long-term dialogue lets citizens on both sides feel the real gains of a stronger partnership."
Cheng Yonghua, executive vice president of the China-Japan Friendship Association, urged participants to learn from shared history while staying future-focused. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the four key political documents that guide bilateral ties and transforming mutual partnership into tangible actions.
"In an era of profound global shifts, peace and development are a shared mission," added Miyamoto Yuji, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center. "Strengthening academic links and grassroots exchanges lays the groundwork for deeper mutual trust."
Closing the forum, Zhou Shuchun, executive vice president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, reflected on the session's success. "Our gathering underscores the enduring friendship between our peoples and sets the stage for even more vibrant cooperation ahead."
Launched earlier this year, the forum alternates between venues in the Chinese mainland and Japan, underscoring a shared commitment to people-to-people diplomacy and sustainable cultural dialogue for years to come.
Reference(s):
Forum in Beijing aims to boost China-Japan people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com
