The Research Center for People-to-People Diplomacy Strategy of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries: Advancing the Theory and Practice of People-to-People Diplomacy in the New Era Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy

Recently, President Xi Jinping sent a verbal message to the teachers and students of a visiting delegation from Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, who came to China under the initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for study and exchange over the next five years for a youth pickleball cultural exchange visit. He congratulated them on the success of their visit and encouraged them to “become a new generation of envoys of friendship between the two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.” President Xi Jinping’s earnest message has become a new story of promoting friendly people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

近日，习近平主席向参加未来5年邀请5万名美国青少年来华交流学习倡议访华的美国马里兰州蒙哥马利郡青少年匹克球文化交流访华团师生回复口信，祝贺他们访华取得成功，寄语他们“做两国友好的新一代使者，为增进两国人民友谊作出更大贡献”。习近平主席的殷切寄语，成为推动中美民间友好交流的新佳话。

People-to-people diplomacy was established, developed, and strengthened by the Party, and has always been closely linked to the cause of the Party and the people. Since the New Era, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China’s foreign work has achieved comprehensive and historic accomplishments, and people-to-people diplomacy has also achieved new development. General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the work of people-to-people diplomacy and has made a series of important statements. These important statements contain both epistemology and methodology, constitute an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, and provide the fundamental guidance for the work of people-to-people diplomacy on the new journey of the New Era. We must comprehensively and systematically, in a timely manner, through in-depth reflection, and in connection with practice, study and grasp the connotation, practical requirements, and implementation measures of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important statements on people-to-people diplomacy, continuously draw ideological strength from them to open up a new situation in people-to-people diplomacy in the New Era, actively promote the development of the theory and practice of people-to-people diplomacy, and better serve the overall domestic development situation and the overall foreign affairs work.

民间外交因党而立、因党而兴、因党而强，始终同党和人民的事业紧密相连。新时代以来，在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平外交思想指引下，我国对外工作取得了全方位、历史性成就，民间外交也实现了新发展。习近平总书记高度重视民间外交工作，作出一系列重要论述。这些重要论述既有认识论、又有方法论，是习近平外交思想的重要组成部分，为新时代新征程民间外交工作提供了根本遵循。我们要全面系统、及时跟进、深入思考、联系实际，学习领会习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述的内涵要义、实践要求和落实举措，从中不断汲取开创新时代民间外交新局面的思想力量，积极推动民间外交理论与实践发展，更好服务国内发展大局和总体外交全局。

Deeply Study and Grasp the Historical Logic, Theoretical Logic, and Practical Logic of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Statements on People-to-People Diplomacy

深入学习领会习近平总书记关于民间外交重要论述的历史逻辑、理论逻辑和实践逻辑

General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important statements on people-to-people diplomacy grasp the essence of the problem from history, theory, and practice, condense and elevate the theory and practice of people-to-people diplomacy, and possess profound historical logic, theoretical logic, and practical logic. These “three logics” are multi-dimensionally interconnected and dialectically unified, which is an important reason why this series of important statements is epochal, guiding, and practical.

习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述，从历史、理论、实践中抓住问题本质，对民间外交的理论与实践进行凝练升华，具有深厚的历史逻辑、理论逻辑和实践逻辑。“三个逻辑”多维衔接、辩证统一，是这一系列重要论述具有时代性、指导性、实践性的重要原因。

From the perspective of historical logic, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important statements on people-to-people diplomacy inherit and develop the diplomatic concepts and historical experience of New China, draw on the wisdom and essence of fine traditional Chinese culture, and run through the past, present, and future. First, they are in the same line as the diplomatic concepts of New China. Comrade Mao Zedong emphasized: “The Chinese people are willing to carry out friendly cooperation with the people of all countries in the world.” During the period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “If there is only cooperation between governments without people-to-people exchanges, the relationship between the two countries cannot have a solid foundation.” Comrade Jiang Zemin emphasized: “We will continue to extensively carry out people-to-people diplomacy, expand foreign cultural exchanges, enhance friendship among the people, and promote the development of state-to-state relations.” Comrade Hu Jintao pointed out: “Developing people-to-people diplomacy is conducive to enhancing the friendship among the people of all countries, conducive to promoting exchanges and cooperation in economy and culture among countries, and conducive to laying a broad social and mass foundation for the development of state-to-state relations.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to people-to-people

从历史逻辑来看，习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述是对新中国外交理念与历史经验的继承和发展，汲取了中华优秀传统文化智慧精髓，贯穿过去、现在和未来。一是与新中国外交理念一脉相承。毛泽东同志强调：“中国人民愿意同世界各国人民实行友好合作”。在改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，邓小平同志指出：“如果只有两国政府间的合作，而没有民间交往，两国关系是不可能有扎实基础的。”江泽民同志强调：“我们将继续广泛开展民间外交，扩大对外文化交流，增进人民之间的友谊，推动国家关系的发展。”胡锦涛同志指出：“发展民间外交，有利于增进各国人民的友谊，有利于促进各国经济、文化的交流和合作，有利于为国家关系的发展奠定广泛的社会群众基础。”党的十八大以来，习近平总书记高度重视民间友好、民心相通，深刻总结并充分运用我们党成立以来的历史经验，从新的实际出发，在多个场合作出“‘国之交在于民相亲’。国与国关系发展的根基在于两国人民”“民间外交是增进人民友谊、促进国家关系发展的基础性工作”等一系列重要论述。这些重要论述同我们党长期形成的民间外交理念既一脉相承又与时俱进。二是汲取中华优秀传统文化智慧精髓。中华优秀传统文化源远流长、根深叶茂。习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述，蕴含着天下为公、和衷共济的精神标识。“大道之行也，天下为公”“百姓昭明，协和万邦”，描绘了大同社会的美好愿景，体现了东方文明的精髓。习近平总书记指出：“人类是一个一荣俱荣、一损俱损的命运共同体”，反映人类社会休戚相关的内在规律，指引民间外交弘扬践行全人类共同价值，继续同一切爱好和平的国家和人民一道，携手应对挑战、实现共同繁荣，努力为推动构建人类命运共同体汇聚强大合力。这一系列重要论述体现了强不执弱、富不侮贫的道德准则。“兼相爱、交相利”，中国历来主张和平相处、平等互惠，反对倚强凌弱和零和博弈。习近平总书记指出：“求和平、谋发展、促合作、图共赢，是我们共同的愿望和责任”，为民间外交坚持相互尊重原则，积极拓展平等、开放、合作的全球伙伴关系，不断夯实各国友好合作的社会和民意基础指明前进方向。这一系列重要论述秉持美美与共、和而不同的价值追求。“一花独放不是春，百花齐放春满园”的精神底蕴，体现了中华优秀传统文化平等、尊重、包容的博大胸怀。习近平总书记指出：“只有在多样中相互尊重、彼此借鉴、和谐共存，这个世界才能丰富多彩、欣欣向荣”，指导民间外交秉持相互尊重、平等相待、求同存异、合作共赢的理念，推动与世界各国共享机遇、共迎挑战。

From the perspective of theoretical logic, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on people-to-people diplomacy exhibit a distinct Marxist theoretical character and form a rigorous theoretical system. First, they adhere to dialectical materialism. General Secretary Xi Jinping consistently employs dialectical materialist methods of thinking to observe things, analyze problems, and solve problems, guiding people-to-people diplomacy to proceed from objective reality, and to understand and grasp the laws and characteristics of development through the unity of opposites between the two sides of a contradiction and the mutual promotion of practice and cognition. General Secretary Xi Jinping accurately grasps the evolving trends of the international situation, making the important statement that “China is in the best period of development since modern times, while the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century; the two are interwoven and mutually reinforcing,” and pointing out that in conducting diplomatic work, one must keep in mind both the domestic and international situations. We must unify our thinking and understanding with the major judgments of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, ensuring that people-to-people diplomacy on the new journey always advances in the correct direction charted by the Party. It insists on grasping the principal contradiction and the principal aspect of a contradiction, actively confronting and resolving contradictions. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “China-US relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world. How China and the US get along will determine the future and destiny of humanity.” As the world’s largest developing country and the largest developed country, the health and stability of China-US relations bear on world peace and development. People-to-people diplomacy must actively serve head-of-state diplomacy and complement official diplomacy, employing both the “two-point theory” and the “key-point theory,” [1]1 The “two-point theory” (两点论) refers to the dialectical materialist method of analyzing a contradiction by examining both its principal and secondary aspects, while the “key-point theory” (重点论) emphasizes grasping the principal contradiction or the principal aspect of a contradiction. focusing on strengthening the people-to-people bond between China and the US, and making helping to improve and develop China-US relations one of the important work directions for the current period and the period ahead. Second, they adhere to historical materialism. General Secretary Xi Jinping deeply grasps the basic Marxist views on the laws of development of human society and its historical trends, discerns the great logic, great driving forces, and great trends behind the trajectory of international relations, always maintains the historical initiative in the development of the Party and the state’s undertakings, and points the way for people-to-people diplomacy to grasp historical laws and seize historical opportunities. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out that “we must take up the telescope of historical laws,” states that “humanity can understand, adapt to, and apply historical laws, but cannot prevent them from taking effect,” elucidates the principle that “no difficulty or setback can stop the wheel of history from moving forward,” and demands that we maintain strategic resolve and strategic confidence. In our work on people-to-people diplomacy, we must accurately recognize the laws of historical development, scientifically plan the points of convergence, entry points, and focal points of people-to-people diplomacy, and extensively mobilize all parties and resources to jointly participate in the cause of people-to-people friendship.

从理论逻辑来看，习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述展现出鲜明的马克思主义理论品格，形成了严密的理论体系。一是坚持唯物辩证法。习近平总书记坚持以唯物辩证的思想方法观察事物、分析问题、解决问题，指导民间外交从客观实际出发，在矛盾双方对立统一、实践与认识相互促进中认识和把握发展规律和特点。习近平总书记准确把握国际形势演变趋势，作出“我国处于近代以来最好的发展时期，世界处于百年未有之大变局，两者同步交织、相互激荡”的重要论述，指出做好外交工作，胸中要装着国内国际两个大局。我们要把思想和认识统一到以习近平同志为核心的党中央的重大判断上来，确保新征程上民间外交工作始终沿着党指引的正确方向不断前进。坚持把握好主要矛盾和矛盾的主要方面，积极面对和化解矛盾。习近平总书记指出：“中美关系是世界上最重要的双边关系。中美两国如何相处，决定人类的前途和命运。”作为世界上最大的发展中国家和发达国家，中美关系的健康与稳定攸关世界的和平与发展。民间外交要积极服务元首外交、配合官方外交，既讲两点论、又讲重点论，着力强化中美民间纽带，将助力改善和发展中美关系作为当前和今后一个时期的重要工作方向之一。二是坚持唯物史观。习近平总书记深刻把握马克思主义关于人类社会发展规律及其历史趋势的基本观点，洞察国际关系发展轨迹背后的大逻辑、大动力和大趋势，始终掌握党和国家事业发展的历史主动，为民间外交把握历史规律、抢抓历史机遇指明了前进方向。习近平总书记指出“要端起历史规律的望远镜”，表示“人类可以认识、顺应、运用历史规律，但无法阻止历史规律发生作用”，阐明“任何艰难曲折都不能阻挡历史前进的车轮”的道理，要求我们保持战略定力和战略自信。我们在民间外交工作中要准确认识历史发展规律，科学谋划民间外交工作的契合点、切入点、着力点，广泛调动各方面主体和资源共同参与民间友好事业。

From the perspective of practical logic, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on people-to-people diplomacy consistently adhere to a problem-oriented, goal-oriented, and result-oriented approach, originating from practice and guiding practice. First, they are rooted in the practice of people-to-people external engagement under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to

从实践逻辑来看，习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述始终坚持问题导向、目标导向、结果导向，源于实践、指导实践。一是扎根于中国共产党领导下民间对外交往实践。习近平总书记高度重视民间外交工作，亲力亲为、率先垂范，以元首外交引领民间外交，为新时代民间外交领航定向。早在1985年，习近平同志任河北正定县委书记时，就与美国艾奥瓦州人民结下深厚情缘；任福州市委书记时，亲自挖掘、持续关心“鼓岭故事”，鼓励中美两国民间友好人士把鼓岭故事和鼓岭情缘传承下去、发扬光大。党的十八大以后，习近平总书记在2014年访问澳大利亚时专程看望他在福建工作期间结识的前州长培根的遗属；在2017年访问老挝期间专门抽时间和八一学校的老挝同学见面等，同各界人士和普通民众广泛接触、交流互动，在实践中不断丰富发展关于民间外交的重要论述。二是扎根于中国特色大国外交的现实需求。习近平总书记紧密结合新的时代条件和实践要求，提出构建人类命运共同体、全人类共同价值、共建“一带一路”倡议、“三大全球倡议”等一系列新理念新主张新倡议，具有鲜明的时代特征、崭新的思想内容、深刻的实践价值。习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述，是在坚持和发展中国特色大国外交实践过程中不断探索、守正创新的成果，是经过实践检验、富有实践伟力的强大思想武器，开辟了民间外交理论与实践的新境界，是我们谋划和推进新时代民间外交的重要指引。

Deeply Grasp the Rich Connotations of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Discourses on People-to-People Diplomacy

深刻把握习近平总书记关于民间外交重要论述的丰富内涵

General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on people-to-people diplomacy are rich in content and profound in scope, focusing on the long-term development of state-to-state relations and the deep cultivation of people-to-people friendship, guiding people-to-people diplomacy in the New Era to achieve historic accomplishments and undergo historic transformations.

习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述内涵丰富、博大精深，着眼于国家关系的长远发展和人民友谊的深耕厚植，引领新时代民间外交取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革。

The Consistent View of the People. The view of the people is a core concept of Marxist philosophy, emphasizing that the people are the creators and drivers of history, the creators of society’s material and spiritual wealth, and the decisive force in social change. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC [n2], the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has upheld the primacy of the people, inheriting and developing the profound people-centered sentiment of the Communist Party of China. President Xi Jinping has pointed out: “The profound friendship between peoples is the source of strength for the development of state-to-state relations” and “People-to-people friendship is the foundational force for promoting world peace and development and the basic prerequisite for achieving win-win cooperation.” In 2023, President Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet jointly hosted by American friendly organizations in San Francisco, USA, and delivered a speech, mentioning the word “people” over 60 times, emphasizing: “The future of China-US relations is created by the people. The more difficult the times, the more necessary it is to tighten the bonds of the people and enhance communication between hearts, and the more necessary it is for more people to step forward and speak up for China-US relations.” These important discourses condense the theoretical and practical starting point of adhering to a people-centered approach, deeply summarize the foundational role and significant contributions of people-to-people diplomacy in promoting the healthy development of state-to-state relations, demonstrate the theoretical character of our Party’s adherence to the Marxist view of the people, and fully manifest the people-oriented quality of Marxism.

一以贯之的人民观。人民观是马克思主义哲学的一个核心概念，强调人民是历史的创造者和推动者，是社会物质财富和精神财富的创造者，也是社会变革的决定力量。党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚持人民至上，继承和发展了中国共产党深厚的人民情怀。习近平主席指出：“人民的深厚友谊是国家关系发展的力量源泉”“人民友好是促进世界和平与发展的基础力量，是实现合作共赢的基本前提”。2023年，习近平主席在美国旧金山出席美国友好团体联合举办的欢迎宴会并发表演讲，60多次提到“人民”这个词，并强调：“中美关系的未来是由人民创造的。越是困难的时候，越需要拉紧人民的纽带、增进人心的沟通，越需要更多的人站出来为中美关系鼓与呼。”这些重要论述凝结了坚持以人民为中心的理论基点和实践原点，深入总结了民间外交为推动国家关系健康发展发挥的基础作用、作出的重要贡献，展现了我们党坚持马克思主义人民观的理论特质，充分彰显了马克思主义的人民性品格。

The Systematic View of Overall Planning and Balance. The concept of system is an important category of Marxist epistemology and methodology, and a foundational way of thinking and working method. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized: “External work is a systematic project. Political parties, government, the National People’s Congress, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the military, local authorities, and civil society must strengthen overall planning and coordination, each with its own focus and mutual cooperation, forming a grand coordinated pattern of external work where the Party exercises overall leadership and coordinates all parties, ensuring that the Party Central Committee’s foreign policies and strategic deployments are implemented.” Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has coordinated both domestic and international imperatives, adhered to systematic thinking and strategic thinking, promoted the formation of a foreign work system with clear levels, prominent priorities, and orderly operations, continuously advanced the integrated development of people-to-people diplomacy, city diplomacy, and public diplomacy, and formed a new situation led by head-of-state diplomacy, driven by high-level visits, demonstrated by high-level mechanisms, combining bilateral and multilateral approaches, and advancing both official and non-official channels. This further enriches and develops the Marxist scientific methodology, requiring that people-to-people diplomacy work not only be systematically planned but also grasp the “ox’s nose” [n3], continuously enhancing overall coherence and synergy, achieving overall planning and balance, highlighting priorities, and fully interpreting the practical character of Marxism.

统筹兼顾的系统观。系统观念是马克思主义认识论和方法论的重要范畴，是具有基础性的思想和工作方法。习近平总书记强调：“对外工作是一个系统工程，政党、政府、人大、政协、军队、地方、民间等要强化统筹协调，各有侧重，相互配合，形成党总揽全局、协调各方的对外工作大协同局面，确保党中央对外方针政策和战略部署落到实处。”党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央统筹国内国际两个大局，坚持系统观念和战略思维，推动形成层次分明、重点突出、运转有序的对外工作体系，不断促进民间外交、城市外交、公共外交一体化发展，形成元首外交引领、高访带动、高级别机制示范、双边多边结合、官民并举的新局面。这进一步丰富和发展了马克思主义科学方法论，要求民间外交工作既要系统谋划，又要牵住“牛鼻子”，不断增强整体性与协同性，做到统筹兼顾、综合平衡、突出重点，充分诠释了马克思主义的实践品格。

The View of Righteousness and Benefit with Both Emphasized. Balancing righteousness and benefit, prioritizing righteousness over benefit, is a distinct value criterion and spiritual symbol of fine traditional Chinese culture, and also a distinctive feature of New China’s diplomacy. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Righteousness reflects one of our concepts, the concept of Communists and socialist countries. It is not a good phenomenon if some people in this world live very well while others live very poorly. True happiness is shared happiness and common well-being. We hope for common development worldwide, especially for the accelerated development of developing countries. Benefit means adhering to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, not engaging in I-win-you-lose scenarios, but achieving win-win outcomes. We have an obligation to provide力所能及的 help to poor countries, and sometimes even to value righteousness over benefit and forsake benefit for righteousness, never being solely profit-seeking or haggling over every ounce.” General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on adhering to a correct view of righteousness and benefit conform to the inherent requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, align with the trend of the times for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes, and the general trend in the development of relations between China and the world. They not only have important guiding significance for our further improvement of people-to-people diplomacy work in the New Era but also further enrich the common values of all humanity.

义利相兼的义利观。义利兼顾、先义后利，是中华优秀传统文化鲜明的价值准则和精神标识，也是新中国外交的鲜明特色。习近平总书记指出：“义，反映的是我们的一个理念，共产党人、社会主义国家的理念。这个世界上一部分人过得很好，一部分人过得很不好，不是个好现象。真正的快乐幸福是大家共同快乐、共同幸福。我们希望全世界共同发展，特别是希望广大发展中国家加快发展。利，就是要恪守互利共赢原则，不搞我赢你输，要实现双赢。我们有义务对贫穷的国家给予力所能及的帮助，有时甚至要重义轻利、舍利取义，绝不能惟利是图、斤斤计较。”习近平总书记关于坚持正确义利观的重要论述，符合中国特色社会主义内在要求，顺应和平、发展、合作、共赢的时代潮流以及中国与世界关系发展大势，不仅对我们进一步做好新时代民间外交工作具有重要指导意义，也进一步丰富了全人类共同价值。

The View of Development Keeping Pace with the Times. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “We must focus on key nodes in the work of the Party and the state to continuously open up new prospects for external work.” Facing the changes unseen in a century in the world, General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly discerned new changes in the development of China and the world, comprehensively understood the new connotations of relations between China and the world, accurately grasped the new laws of interaction between China and the world, and deepened the understanding of the laws governing the development of people-to-people diplomacy from a new perspective, requiring us to adapt to the times and circumstances, and to pioneer and innovate on the basis of grasping these laws. For example, in recent years, President Xi Jinping has met with visiting American figures from various sectors,

与时俱进的发展观。习近平总书记指出：“要围绕党和国家工作重要节点，推动对外工作不断开创新局面。”面对世界百年未有之大变局，习近平总书记深刻洞悉中国与世界发展新变化，全面认识中国与世界关系新内涵，准确把握中国与世界互动新规律，以全新视野深化了对民间外交事业发展规律的认识，要求我们在把握规律的基础上，因时因势、开拓创新。比如，近年来，习近平主席会见来访的美国各界人士，致信中美民间友好活动，复信美国华盛顿州“美中青少年学生交流协会”、史迪威将军后人、飞虎队老兵等友好人士，着力推动中美两国民间友好关系向前发展，为中美关系夯基培土、增添暖意。2023年，习近平主席在美国旧金山出席美国友好团体联合举办的欢迎宴会并发表演讲时指出：“中美关系希望在人民，基础在民间，未来在青年，活力在地方。”这些重要论述是以元首外交为引领，对民间外交内涵和外延的丰富发展，是把握中美关系本质规律的深刻洞见，是启迪中美关系健康、稳定、可持续发展的深邃智慧，符合两国人民交流合作的根本愿望，符合世界人民对中美关系稳定发展的普遍期待。

A world view of a shared future. The Communist Party of China is not only a party that seeks happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, but also a party that seeks progress for humanity and harmony for the world. Since the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has put forward the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, which both continues and develops the Marxist “true community” and upholds and innovates the fine traditional Chinese culture of “harmonizing all nations” and “peace for all states,” [2]2 "Rectify the mind and cultivate sincerity" (诚意正心) is a classical Confucian concept from the *Great Learning* (《大学》), referring to the inner moral cultivation necessary for governing the world. serving as a concrete embodiment of the “world view” in the New Era. In his important speech at the ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “The Communist Party of China cares about the future and destiny of humanity, and advances hand in hand with all progressive forces in the world.” General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that “the world is one family” and

命运与共的天下观。中国共产党不仅是为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴的党，也是为人类谋进步、为世界谋大同的党。新时代以来，习近平总书记提出构建人类命运共同体理念，既是对马克思主义“真正的共同体”的一脉相承、继承发展，又是对中华优秀传统文化“协和万邦”“万国咸宁”的守正创新、赓续不断，是新时代“天下观”的具体体现。习近平总书记在庆祝中国共产党成立100周年大会重要讲话中强调：“中国共产党关注人类前途命运，同世界上一切进步力量携手前进”。习近平总书记多次强调“天下一家”、命运与共，主张各国和衷共济、建设光明未来，旨在让和平的薪火代代相传，让发展的动力源源不断，让文明的火炬熠熠生辉。这些重要论述从使命、理念到方案、路径，蕴含着内涵丰富、体系严谨的“天下观”，既关怀当下，又展望未来，体现出习近平总书记深邃的历史眼光和博大的天下情怀，贡献了坚定维护世界和平、促进各国共同发展的中国智慧。

An open and inclusive view of civilization. History has fully proven that resolving the prominent contradictions and problems facing humanity requires not only material means to overcome difficulties but also spiritual strength to rectify the mind and cultivate sincerity [n2]. Since the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made a series of important statements on the view of civilization, pointing out that "to maintain world peace and promote common development of all countries, we must vigorously strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. People-to-people diplomacy is the most profound force for advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations," stating that "China is willing to work with the international community to uphold and promote a view of civilization based on equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness," putting forward the Global Civilization Initiative, issuing a sincere call to the world to enhance exchanges and dialogue among civilizations and to promote the progress of human civilization through inclusiveness and mutual learning, and clarifying China's position on deepening exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. This is both a correct understanding of the laws governing the development of human civilization and a rejection and transcendence of the theory of civilizational superiority and the clash of civilizations, aligning with the common aspiration of different civilizations to learn from and promote each other.

开放包容的文明观。历史充分证明，化解人类面临的突出矛盾和问题，不仅需要依靠物质手段攻坚克难，也需要依靠精神力量诚意正心。新时代以来，习近平总书记围绕文明观作出一系列重要论述，指出“维护世界和平、促进各国共同发展，必须大力加强文明交流互鉴。民间外交是推进文明交流互鉴最深厚的力量”，表示“中国愿同国际社会一道，坚持弘扬平等、互鉴、对话、包容的文明观”，提出全球文明倡议，向世界发出增进文明交流对话、在包容互鉴中促进人类文明进步的真挚呼吁，阐明深化文明交流互鉴的中国立场。这既是对人类文明发展规律的正确认识，也是对文明优越论、文明冲突论的摒弃超越，契合不同文明相互学习、相互促进的共同愿望。

Strengthening Theoretical Research and Practical Exploration of People-to-People Diplomacy in the New Era

加强新时代民间外交理论研究与实践探索

Standing at a new historical starting point, we must thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and the Central Conference on Foreign Affairs, earnestly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important statements on people-to-people diplomacy, deeply grasp the rich connotations contained therein, and concentrate efforts on opening up a new situation for people-to-people diplomacy in the New Era.

站在新的历史起点上，我们要深入贯彻落实党的二十大和中央外事工作会议精神，认真学习贯彻习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述，深刻领会蕴含其中的丰富内涵，聚力开创新时代民间外交新局面。

Adhere to the "root" and "soul," raise the political stance, and firmly grasp the political direction. Uphold the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, always maintain the political character of people-to-people diplomacy, always focus on the central work of the Party and the state, always enhance resolve and seize the initiative amid complex changes in the international situation, and unswervingly implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core on foreign work. Deepen ideological understanding, profoundly comprehend the decisive significance of the Two Establishments [n3], resolutely achieve the Two Upholds [n4], deeply understand the Party Central Committee's major judgments on world development trends and the historical mission of diplomacy, strengthen strategic confidence, enhance political responsibility in forging ahead, and forge a political character that dares to struggle and is good at struggle. Strengthen theoretical study, comprehensively, systematically, completely, and accurately study and comprehend Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping's diplomatic thought, integrate and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important statements on people-to-people diplomacy in connection with practice, deeply grasp their spiritual essence and core tenets, and firmly grasp their practical requirements and implementation methods.

坚守“根”和“魂”，提高政治站位，把牢政治方向。坚持党中央集中统一领导，始终保持民间外交的政治本色，始终聚焦党和国家中心工作，始终在错综复杂的国际形势变化中增强定力、把握主动，不折不扣贯彻落实以习近平同志为核心的党中央对外工作决策部署。深化思想认识，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义、坚决做到“两个维护”，深入理解党中央对世界发展大势和外交历史使命的重大论断，坚定战略自信，增强砥砺奋进的政治担当，铸就敢于斗争、善于斗争的政治品格。加强理论学习，全面系统、完整准确学习领会习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平外交思想，融会贯通、联系实际贯彻落实习近平总书记关于民间外交的重要论述，深刻领悟其精神实质和核心要义，牢牢把握其实践要求和落实方法。

Be adept at "observation" and "planning," strengthen the awareness of the overall situation, and enhance strategic planning. Actively serve head-of-state diplomacy, closely focus on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important diplomatic activities, use down-to-earth, heartwarming, flexible in form, and rich in content supporting people-to-people diplomatic activities to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for head-of-state diplomacy, expand influence and effects, shorten the distance between Chinese and foreign people, and enhance friendship between Chinese and foreign people. Actively serve the top-level design of China's diplomatic strategy on the new journey, advocate for different civilizations to transcend differences, practice the common values of all humanity, promote high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, assist in the implementation and solid progress of the three major global initiatives [n5], and consolidate public support for building a new type of international relations. Actively serve bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activities, keep pace with the international situation and national development needs, combine important time nodes and major bilateral and multilateral diplomatic events, strengthen dialogue and communication with various countries and friendly exchanges with people from all walks of life, and continue the friendship between China and foreign countries.

善作“观”和“谋”，强化大局意识，加强战略谋划。积极服务元首外交，紧紧围绕习近平总书记的重要外交活动，以接地气、暖人心、形式灵活、内容丰富的配套民间外交活动为元首外交营造热烈友好氛围，扩大影响和效果，拉近中外人民距离，增进中外人民友谊。积极服务新征程中国外交战略顶层设计，倡导不同文明跨越差异，践行全人类共同价值，推动高质量共建“一带一路”，助力“三大全球倡议”落地走实，为构建新型国际关系夯实民意基础。积极服务双边、多边外交活动，紧跟国际形势和国家发展需要，结合重要时间节点和双边、多边重大外交事件，加强与各国对话沟通、与各界人士友好往来，赓续中外友谊。

Flexibly use "strategy" and "tactics," create rich channels, and broaden the scope of work. Do a good job in international sister-city work, earnestly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on international sister-city work, and continuously leverage the role of sister-city work as a window for local opening up, a carrier for international exchanges and cooperation, and a lever for serving the country's overall diplomacy. Expand the network of friendly organization contacts, carefully sort out their base, and promote people-to-people friendship to penetrate grassroots levels and the masses. Rely on cultural exchanges, extract and display the cultural essence of fine traditional Chinese culture that has contemporary value and global significance. Strengthen public diplomacy, enhance international, regional, and segmented communication capabilities, deeply explain important concepts such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, and actively publicize the historic achievements of China's economic and social development and the important characteristics and global significance of Chinese-path modernization. Pay attention to the youth group, continuously expand the global partnership network, consolidate international consensus on peaceful development, and create an international environment conducive to peaceful development.

活用“策”和“术”，打造丰富渠道，拓宽工作领域。做好国际友城工作，认真贯彻落实习近平总书记对国际友城工作的重要指示要求，持续发挥友城工作对地方对外开放的窗口作用、开展国际交流合作的载体作用和服务国家总体外交的抓手作用。拓展友好组织人脉，认真梳理其基本盘，推动民间友好深入基层、深入群众。依托文化交流，把中华优秀传统文化中具有当代价值、世界意义的文化精髓提炼出来、展示出来。加强公共外交，强化国际化、区域化、分众化表达能力，深入阐释构建人类命运共同体等重要理念，积极宣介中国经济社会发展取得的历史性成就和中国式现代化的重要特征及世界意义。重视青少年群体，持续拓展全球伙伴关系网络，凝聚和平发展的国际共识，营造有利于和平发展的国际环境。

Grasp "inheritance" and "change," uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, and bravely undertake the mission of the times. Seriously consider the environmental conditions and methods for promoting work development in the new historical period, properly handle the dialectical unity of change and constancy, inheritance and development, principle and creativity, and promote the transformation of innovative achievements into work practice. On the basis of conducting regular, systematic, and theoretical analysis of the experience and methods contained in the practice of people-to-people diplomacy, focus on new situations, new tasks, and new challenges in people-to-people diplomacy, advance key points, break through difficulties, and create highlights, to build consensus and gather synergy for the implementation of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Actively embrace the digital age, combine big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc., with traditional external communication methods, introduce contemporary China from multiple angles, strengthen positive guidance of international public opinion, shape correct international perceptions of China, and create an international atmosphere friendly to China.

把握“承”和“变”，坚持守正创新，勇担时代使命。认真思考新的历史时期推动工作发展的环境条件、方式方法，处理好变与不变、继承与发展、原则性与创造性的辩证统一，促进创新成果向工作实践转化。在对民间外交实践中蕴含的经验与方法开展规律化、系统化、学理化分析的基础上，围绕民间外交新形势新任务新挑战，推进重点、突破难点、打造亮点，为推动构建人类命运共同体等落地实施凝聚共识、汇聚合力。积极拥抱数字时代，将大数据、云计算、人工智能等与传统对外传播方式相结合，多角度宣介当代中国，强化国际舆论正面引导，塑造国际对华正确认知，营造友华国际氛围。

In an era of turbulent change, facing a world of transformation and interweaving chaos, we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping's diplomatic thought, unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, continuously enhance the scientific nature, foresight, initiative, and creativity of people-to-people diplomacy work, open up a new situation in people-to-people diplomacy work, and make greater contributions to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promoting peace and development for humanity!

身处风云激荡的时代，面对变乱交织的世界，我们要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平外交思想为引领，更加紧密团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，不断增强民间外交工作的科学性、预见性、主动性、创造性，开创民间外交工作新局面，为实现中华民族伟大复兴、促进人类和平与发展作出更大贡献！

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心