Over 50 experts and scholars from nearly 20 universities and research institutions in China and Japan gathered at a forum in Beijing on Sunday to discuss how to boost people-to-people exchanges and foster cultural understanding between the two countries.

The forum, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Japan-China Friendship Center, covered topics such as high-quality development and modernization in both countries, social governance from comparative perspectives, China-Japan cooperation in times of global transformation, and the joint pursuit of lasting world peace and development.

Xie Fuzhan, president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, highlighted the essential role of people-to-people ties in shaping China-Japan relations. He stressed the need for objective understanding and cultural exchange, especially at a time when bilateral relations are at a crossroads.

Kenji Kanasugi, the Japanese ambassador to China, said the biggest challenge facing China-Japan ties today is improving public sentiment. He noted that emotional understanding requires long-term efforts and dialogue, enabling both peoples to see the tangible benefits of better bilateral relations.

Cheng Yonghua, executive vice president of the China-Japan Friendship Association, emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from history while looking towards the future. He called for a faithful commitment to the principles enshrined in the four political documents between the two countries, and for translating the consensus of mutual partnership and non-threat into concrete actions.

Miyamoto Yuji, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center, said that amid profound global changes, pursuing peace and development has become a common imperative. He underscored the importance of strengthening academic and people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

In his closing remarks, Zhou Shuchun, executive vice president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, said the success of the forum reflects the deep-rooted tradition of friendship between the two nations and offers renewed hope for future cooperation.

The forum, launched in 2024, is part of a joint effort to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Japanese peoples. It is held alternately in both countries.