Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s3.t1: China-India Friendship Association
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s3.t1
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China-India Friendship Association
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China-India Friendship Association (CIFA) is a nationwide people's organisation engaging in civil diplomacy work in People's Republic of China with India, and is a unit of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).
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The Association was established on May 16, 1952. The then Deputy Minister of Culture of People's Republic of China, Ding Xilin was its first president.
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*Picture of Ding Xiling*
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The Association is committed to promote longterm people exchanges between the two nations, combined with the actual situation of diplomacy between the two governments, intending to help and promote governmental diplomacy through civil diplomacy. Over the years, the body has been involved in the organisation of major events, contacts and meeting which include the following three categories:
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First, organise exchange visits by delegations. Since December 1953, when Ding Xilin led a delegation to participate in the first national conference of China-India Friendship Association in India, exchange visits of delegations have been organised many times which have covered all levels of society, promoted understanding between the people from different industries and fields of the two countries. The delegations participating in the exchanges included the cultural delegation led by government officials and celebrities, and national and local friendly organisations from the two countries.
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Second, organise activities of commemoration. Before major holidays and anniversaries, cultural exchange activities which helped to enhance mutual trust and understanding were held. The receptions celebrating the 50th, 55th and 60th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations were held separately in 2000, 2005 and 2010. In November 2007, the restructuring as well as the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-India Friendship Association was organised. In addition, the Indian medical team played a special role during the Anti-Japanese War among Chinese army and people, which was an important historical event in the history of modern India-China relations. Since its establishment, the association has received medical families to visit China, and the commemoration meeting for Doctor Kotnis was held many times. In 2008, 2010 and 2012, India-China joint medical teams were organised to hold free clinic and to conduct exchange activities in two countries respectively, reviewing and inheriting the history of friendship between the two nations.
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*Vice President of the Chinese Buddhist Association Zhao Puchu meets Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, November 1956*
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Third, host conferences and forums. Relevant special meetings, forums and seminars were hosted combined with the development of India-China relations, especially kinds of important themes of cultural exchanges. Among them, the "China-South Asia International Cultural Forum" was held successively in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 separately in Beijing, New Delhi, Chengdu, Shenzhen. "China-India Forum" was held in 2009, 2010 and 2012, "China-India College Student Forum" was held in 2009 and 2013, helped set up an important platform for India-China cultural exchange.
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(*Zhang Minyu*)