Over 50 experts from China and Japan gathered in Beijing this week for a landmark forum aimed at boosting cultural understanding between the two nations. 🌸 The event, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Japan-China Friendship Center, tackled everything from sustainable development to cross-border collaboration in a rapidly changing world.
Why It Matters Now
With bilateral relations at a crossroads, speakers like Xie Fuzhan stressed that "people-to-people bonds are the bedrock of mutual trust". Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi echoed this, calling improved public sentiment "the ultimate litmus test" for lasting cooperation.
History Meets Future
Cheng Yonghua of the China-Japan Friendship Association urged attendees to "learn from the past while building tomorrow", referencing the four foundational political documents guiding bilateral ties. Miyamoto Yuji from Japan’s delegation highlighted peace as "the shared North Star" in turbulent times.
What’s Next?
The forum—alternating annually between the two countries—kicked off its 2024 debut with fresh optimism. As Zhou Shuchun noted in closing: "Every dialogue plants seeds for a greener friendship." 🌱
