Chinese Association for International Understanding

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Future-oriented Exchanges: Visit of Young Leaders Delegation of JCI


Wang Bo At the invitation of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU), a 20-member young leaders delegation of JCI (Junior Chamber International Japan) headed by Endo Tatsuya, Councillor of Noda City, Chiba Prefecture visited Beijing from May 26 to 30. The delegation consists of local councillors, businessmen, civil servants and media workers. Most of the members are under the age of 40. The delegation was met by Ye Xiaowen, Vice-President of CAFIU, Member of China-Japan Friendship Committee for the 21st Century, CPC Secretary and the First Vice-President of the Central Institute of Socialism. Mr. Ye spoke positively of the history of friendly exchanges between the two nations, and encouraged JCI to continue carrying out people-to-people and young leaders exchanges with China so as to enhance mutual understanding between China and Japan. CAFIU Secretary-General Ni Jian had a discussion with Agehara Yasumaro, Chairman of JCI Japan-China Friendship Association on future exchanges between the two organizations. The delegation attended briefings on China’s environmental policies and measures as well as the economic and social development given respectively by Yuan Qingdan, Deputy Director General of Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy, Ministry of Environmental Protection, and Zhang Jianping, Director of Department of International Economic Cooperation, Institute of Foreign Economics Research, State Development and Reform Commission. The delegation attended a seminar “Improving China-Japan Relations through Practical Cooperation”, fully exploring the two countries’ cooperation in environmental protection and people-to-people exchanges. The delegation had a discussion with China Resource Recycling Association and also visited Beijing Public Transportation Group and the demonstration building of Beijing Energy-saving and Environmental-protection Center. Joining Hands for the Future amid Beautiful Music On the first day of the visit, Vice-President Ye Xiaowen met with the delegation, encouraging them to make sustained contribution to China-Japan relations. Mr. Ye said that a lot of far-sighted people have made outstanding contribution to the friendly exchanges between the two countries in the course of over 2000 years, represented by the Chinese monk Jianzhen and Japan’s Abe no Nakamaro. He also drew a humorous parallel between Abe no Nakamaro and Chairman Agehara Yasumaro as both have “maro” in their names. He said that it is a wonderful coincidence that Agehara Yasumaro is also dedicated to advancing friendship between China and Japan like Abe no Nakamaro. Mr. Ye expressed his hope that Chairman Yasumaro could continue working with other young people to sow the seeds of friendship so that future generations could walk in the shade of the towering trees. Mr. Ye also played the video featuring a piano concerto named Capriccio Jianzhen’s Voyage to Japan played by Starry Sky Orchestra and then even played the cello himself. The Japanese friends were carried away by the melodious Swan Goose. After that, a rousing chorus Going Ahead led by Takeaki Kamada, 2015 Chairman of Japan-China Affairs Establishment Commission of JCI, heightened the atmosphere, symbolizing their wishes for the two countries to join hands. The delegation said that they are willing to strengthen exchanges with China to enhance mutual understanding and support Japanese young leaders in taking part in people-to-people exchanges. Building Friendship through Practical Cooperation Promoting exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection is an important agenda for the delegation’s visit. They attended discussions on this issue and visited relevant agencies. Showing a strong interest in the development in China’s environmental protection, they interacted enthusiastically with Chinese experts. They told us that in the 20th century, Japan had also suffered from serious environmental pollution, which was curbed effectively after years of efforts. They said that Japan enjoys advanced technologies and expertise in this area and their country is ready to work with China to solve environmental pollution and expand room for cooperation. They also expressed their appreciation for China’s efforts in trying to improve the air quality. Their face-to-face interaction with Chinese also enabled them to get a better understanding of China. Youths represent the future of both countries. It is very important to build on the momentum of improvement in bilateral ties through people-to-people exchanges, especially those among youths. The fiveday visit helped enhance mutual understanding and lay a sound foundation for further exchanges in the future.