China and Japan Forge 10-Point Agreement to Boost Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, China and Japan have reached a 10-point consensus aimed at enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The agreement encompasses cooperation in education, tourism, sports, and other key areas.
The consensus was achieved during the second meeting of a high-level consultation mechanism on people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two nations, held on Wednesday in Beijing. The meeting was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya.
Promoting Youth and Educational Exchanges
The first two points of the agreement focus on fostering youth exchange visits and deepening cooperation in education. Both countries have committed to encouraging and supporting study trips, strengthening the exchange of overseas students, and facilitating partnerships between primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.
Boosting Tourism and Local Collaboration
To further enhance mutual understanding, China and Japan agreed to support tourism cooperation and introduce measures to promote mutual visits by tourists. They also aim to build more bridges between sister cities and utilize platforms such as the China-Japan Governor Forum and the Culture Cities of East Asia to expand friendly exchanges at local and non-governmental levels.
Strengthening Sports and Cultural Industries
The agreement highlights the importance of sports exchanges, with mutual support for hosting major events like the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in 2026. Additionally, both sides will continue cooperation in film, television, music, publishing, animation, and other cultural and entertainment industries.
Enhancing Media, Think Tanks, and Women’s Exchanges
China and Japan will strengthen exchanges and cooperation between media outlets and think tanks to improve public opinion and the environment for public discourse. They will also conduct exchanges between women’s groups, sharing experiences on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Looking Towards Future Collaboration
The two countries plan to make the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, a platform for fostering exchanges and friendship between their peoples. China has expressed support for Japan in hosting the expo, and Japan welcomes China’s participation.
The agreement concludes with a commitment to hold the third meeting of the high-level consultation mechanism in Japan at an appropriate time, signaling continued efforts to advance relations.
Historical Reflections and Commitment to Peace
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the significance of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He expressed hope that Japan would demonstrate its determination for peaceful development and work with China to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya affirmed Japan’s willingness to enhance the quality of people-to-people exchange projects, deepen exchanges between sister cities, and implement measures to facilitate personnel exchanges.
Reference(s):
China, Japan reach 10-point consensus on people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com
