Tang Jiaxuan Becomes President of CJFA

At the council meeting of the China-Japan Friendship Association (CJFA) held in Beijing on March 15, Tang Jiaxuan was elected as the new president, while Song Jian became honorary president.

In his speech, Tang noted that, over the past 40 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, with concerted efforts by the governments and people of all walks of life, the bilateral relationship had witnessed remarkable development with exchanges and cooperation in various fields reaching an unprecedented level. The significant development of the bilateral relationship had brought tangible benefits to both peoples, and made great contributions to peace, stability and development of Asia and the rest of the world.

At the time when the two countries marked the 40th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations, their relations stood at a new historical starting point, and the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit had an important opportunity to progress towards a higher level and wider range.

Over the past 50 years since its establishment, the CJFA had played an important role in reestablishing, improving and developing the relations between the two countries, and made great contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation in all fields and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Currently, the international and regional situation, as well as domestic conditions of both countries had undergone great and profound changes and this had created new and higher demands on the work of people-to-people friendship. In future, the CJFA would continue to carry on the glorious tradition, work together with various circles, uphold the banner of China-Japan friendship and give play to the role of a bridge and a firm bond. It would take the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations and the Friendship Year of People-to-People Exchanges as a new opportunity to carry out multi-faceted exchanges and cooperation in various fields. It would continue to do a good job in enhancing political mutual trust between the two countries and friendship between the two peoples so as to further deepen the strategic relationship of mutual benefit. It would make unremitting efforts to realize the lofty goal of peaceful coexistence, lasting friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin, CPAFFC and CJFA Vice President Jing Dunquan, and CJFA Vice Presidents Wen Chi, Wang Xiaoxian, Chen Yongchang and Wang Xiuyun were present at the meeting.