1. On January 16, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of China International Culture Association (CICA) attended Urasenke New Year’s Tea Party at the invitation of Beijing Club of Japanese Tea Ceremony Urasenke in the company of Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture.

2. On January 17, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with Mr. Morita Mingyen, the professor of Tianjin University of Japan and China at the Ministry of Culture. University of Japan and China, the humanism college jointly established by China and Japan, aims to cultivate such talents as knowing culture of both countries and engaging in friendly exchange activities for the two countries. Both parties exchanged views on the invitation of Vice Chairman Liu Deyou to lecture at the college. Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting.

3. On January 24, 2003, Xie Jinying, Vice Secretary-General of CICA and Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture met with Mr. Friedman, the Culture Broker of San Francisco, USA, and the two parties discussed cultural exchange cooperation.

4. On January 24, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Asari Keita, the head of Japan Four Seasons Troupe at the Ministry of Culture. Both parties exchanged views on cooperation in the field of musicals in future. Ding Wei and Xie Jinying, the Director-General and Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture were present at the meeting and banquet.

5. On February 8 to12, a 20-member group of Tianjin Cathay Future Art Troupe visited Portugal and Italy and made friendly exchange performances at the invitation of Portugal’s Orient Foundation and Italian Overseas Chinese Association under the arrangement of CICA.

6. On February 10 to18, Sino-Japanese Friendship Ink Painting Exhibition, sponsored by CICA and Japan Ink Painters Association and organized by China International Exhibition Center, was held at Tokyo, Japan.

7. On February 18, Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Vice Secretary-General of CICA met with Mr. Okazaki Bin, the son of Chairman of Japan Airlines and Chairman of Japan-China New Century Association at the Ministry of Culture. The two parities discussed the establishment of connection and cooperation regarding audio and video recording as well as cooperation plan in the future.

8. On March 3, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA attended the ceremony at the invitation of Sen Genshitsu, the previous Iemoto of Japanese Tea Ceremony Urasenke as the artistic adviser by Chinese National Academy of Arts. Liu Deyou highly praised Sen Genshitsu’s contribution to Sino-Japanese friendship and cultural exchange through tea ceremony in his speech. He also participated in the celebration dinner for Sen Genshitsu’s winning the Contribution Award on Cultural Exchange presented by the Ministry of Culture and being appointed the adviser of Chinese National Academy of Arts.

9. On March 11, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Masahisa Suganuma, honorary professor of Nagano University and Sino-Japanese friendly personage at the Ministry of Culture.

10. On March 12, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Mr. Murakami Tatsumi, Chairman of the Japan – China Friendship Center at the Ministry of Culture. Liu Deyou expressed thanks and appreciation to Japan–China Friendship Center for receptions of China’s cultural delegation and for its contributions to Sino-Japanese culture exchange, and both parties also exchanged ideas on future cooperation. Xie Jinying, Assistant Director of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at meeting and banquet.

11. On March 14, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with Nakagawa Jie, the Director of General Office of Kyodo News in China at the Ministry of Culture. Nakagawa Jie transferred some precious historical documents to Liu Deyou.

12. On March 19 to 25, a 4-member delegation of CICA led by Vice Chairman Liu Deyou visited Turkey at the invitation of Aydin Dogan Foundation. During the visit, the delegation and Turkish party expressed the intention for establishing long-term cooperative relationship henceforward and exchange programs with Turkey. Meanwhile, the delegation extended an invitation to the Turkish side to visit China in October.

13. On April 10 to 21, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was invited to give lectures in Japan by Japanese Ryūichi Tateishi Dance Institute.

14. On April 17, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was awarded by Atsuko Toyama, the Minister of Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) “Minister of MEXT for International Communication Credit” in Tokyo, Japan.

15. On July 7, Sun Jiamu, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture, was present at the signing ceremony of exchange of notes for Sino-Spain Forum Setup Presentation and Sino-Spain Forum Memorandum which were jointly held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Great Hall of the People. Hu Qili, Vice Chairman of CPPCC, Samaranch, IOC Honorary Chairman and Spanish Secretary for Foreign Affairs, etc. delivered speeches on the occasion.

16. On July 21, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Japanese guests Tomoko Itou and Hishinuma Yoshiaki, etc. of the Association of Japan-China Theatre Communications of Japan. The two parties exchanged views on Sino-Japanese drama exchange programs and Sino-Japanese youth’s exchange activities. Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting and banquet.

17. On July 22, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with the 5-member delegation of Asian Cultural Exchange Association of Japan led by Ukegawa Sooh, Chairman of the association. The two parties discussed the initiative of the Japanese side to establish academic institutions in Beijing. Assistant Director-General Wang Yansheng was present at the meeting.

18. On July 25, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA attended the second preparatory meeting for the fourth session of “Sino-UK Forum” held by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, the parties discussed the propositions on meeting schedule and related issues. Assistant Director-General Wang Yansheng attended the meeting.

19. On July 31, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Mr. Tooru Fukuhara, former editorial member of Kyodo News and expert on international issues and his wife Miho Fukuhara. The two parties discussed international issues of mutual concern. Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting and banquet.

20. On August 9, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was present at the 25th anniversary of establishment of Sino-Japanese Peace and Friendship Treaty held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries at the Great Hall of the People.

21. On August 25, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with the 4-member Japanese delegation led by Tadahiko Tsuda, Chairman of Japan-China Youth Arts Association and langui Shiyi, the principal of Japan Zenshinza Troupe. The two parties discussed matters relating to the performance of Dream of World Peace by Japan Forward Society Troupe in China.

22. On August 26, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA attended China-ROK Celebrity Forum jointly held by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign affairs and 21st Century South Korea and China Exchange Association of South Korea at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, and addressed and discussed issues relating to educational and cultural exchange between China and ROK. State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and the previous Vice-Premier of Korea Li Shoucheng were present at the meeting.

23. On September 1, Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Vice Secretary-General of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for the 5-member delegation led by Yamasaki Masachika, Director of Beijing Office of Japan International Exchange Foundation at the Ministry of Culture.

24. On September 4, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with Shunichi, the principal of Japan Association for the Promotion of International Cultural Exchange at the Ministry of Culture, and the two parties discussed matters related to the Sino-Japanese Youth Singing Festival to be held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of establishment of Sino-Japanese Peace and Friendship Treaty. Xie Jinying, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Vice Secretary-General of CICA was present at the meeting.

25. From September 5 to 22, a 15-member dance troupe of Beijing Dance Academy visited Syria and attended the 17th Busra International Folk Art Festival from September 5 to 22 under the arrangement of CICA. They also visited Egypt and gave visiting performance. The troupe also performed at the inauguration of Chinese Cultural Center in Malta.

26. on September 18, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was present at the commemorative activity for the 50th anniversary of publication for People’s Daily at the Great Hall of the People.

27. From September 23 to 30, 2003, a 5-member delegation of Hungary National Guard Song & Dance Ensemble led by its head Mr. Aranyos Caloi paid a friendly visit to Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai at the invitation of CICA. During their stay in Beijing, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA hosted a banquet for the delegation and Sun Xiaohong, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the banquet.

28. On September 4, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for the 8-member delegation led by Sekine Shoroku, the master of Japanese Nogaku Theatre at the Ministry of Culture. Zhang Aiping, Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting and banquet.

29. On October 8, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA attended the celebrations in honor of Zhang Xiangshan on his 90th birthday and the seniors who have been working on issues with Japan for years. The event was hosted by the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the CPC at Friendship Hotel.

30. On October 10, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA and Zhang Aiping, the Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture attended the welcoming banquet held by CPAA for Japan Zenshinza Troupe’s performance in China, and they also watched the premiere show of Dream of World Peace performed by Japan Zenshinza Troupe in China at Poly Theatre on the evening of October 11, 2003.

31. On October 11, 2003, Sino-Japanese Youth Singing Festival jointly hosted by CICA and the Foundation for the Promotion of the Music Industry and Culture was held in Beijing Exhibition Center. Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA and Anami Koreshige, the Japanese Ambassador to China were present at the opening ceremony. Japanese singer Miu Sakamoto, Black Panthers and other five Chinese bands participated in the performance.

32. From October 16 to 18, 2003, the Cultural Festival in Celebration of the 1700th Birthday of Calligraphy Master Wang Xizhi jointly held by CICA and Shandong Linyi Municipal Government was held in Linyi. Lv Zhixian, the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture and other guests of honor were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Cultural Festival.

33. On October 17, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Kotarou Kawamura, the principal of Japan National Art Exchange Troupe at the Ministry of Culture. The two parties discussed issues concerning Traditional Art Performance of Japan to be held in Beijing the following June. Wang Yansheng, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting and banquet.

34. On October 20, 2003, Russian choreography master class jointly held by CICA and China National Song & Dance Ensemble was initiated in Beijing. Wang Yansheng, Assistant Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Zhang Yesheng, Director of the China National Song & Dance Ensemble were present at the opening ceremony and delivered a speech of congratulations. The two-week master courses lasted till October 31. The Ministry officials met with and hosted a banquet for the 3-member delegation led by Murakami Tatsumi, Chairman of Japan-China Friendship Center.

35. On October 26, 2003, under the arrangement of CICA, a 60-member art ensemble of China Association for Promoting Cultural Exchange among the Aged attended the 3rd China, Japan and ROK Senior Citizens' Cultural Festival.

36. On October 31, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with Japanese friend Professor Naito Takashi at the Ministry of Culture.

37. On November 3, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was present at the Ikenobo Ikebana Talent Show and Tea Party held at the Japanese ambassador's residence at the invitation of Virginia Anami, the wife of Japanese Ambassador to China.

38. On November 5, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA was present at the ceremony for initial publication of Heart of the Tea in Chinese version created by Sen Genshitsu, the great master of Japanese Tea Ceremony Urasenke. Ding Wei, Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture delivered speech on the ceremony and Zhang Aiping, Vice Secretary of Party Committee of Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the ceremony as well. Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA, Ding Wei, Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Zhang Aiping, Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture held a banquet for the Japanese Tea Ceremony Urasenke visiting China, and Liu Deyou highly praised Sen Genshitsu’s contribution to Sino-Japanese friendship and exchange in his address.

39. On November 17, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with Saiki Soichiro, the producer director of General Office of Japan NHK Broadcast in China at the Ministry of Culture. The two parties discussed issues regarding live broadcast of world cultural heritage by NHK global satellite television system and interview with Liu Deyou on December 1. Zhang Aiping, Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting.

40. On November 26, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with and hosted a banquet for Wakae Masami, Chairman of Soka University of Japan at the Ministry of Culture, and expressed his appreciation for the honorary doctor degree and honorary award for him and his wife. Zhang Aiping, the Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting and banquet.

41. On November 27, 2003, a 20-member art group of Beijing Acrobatic Troupe sent by CICA visited Germany and presented two performances as promotional activities of having commercial shows in Germany.

42. On December 1, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA accepted the live broadcast interview by Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK Television Station) at the Temple Of Heaven in Beijing. The program, as part of Information on World Heritage of NHK Television Station, adopted digital technology to realize global live broadcast. The show introduced the Temple of Heaven in the form of dialogue, and discussed issues regarding the balance between China’s urbanization and the protection of cultural heritages. Zhang Aiping, Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting.

43. On December 11, 2003, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice C

hairman of CICA attended and watched the show of Still the Sakura performed by Japan Drama Troupe at Capital Theatre. Taking a common family at home front in Japan during World War II as background, the show depicted the pain and scar that the war brought to the Japanese people.

44. From December 15 to 19, a 4-member CICA delegation headed by Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA and Sun Jiamu, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Vice Secretary-General of CICA as the secretary-general paid a friendly visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Vietnam-China Cultural Exchange Center. Liu Deyou and Mei Liguang, the Director of Vietnam-China Cultural Exchange Center jointly signed Letter of Intent for Cultural Exchange Cooperation in Hanoi, and the two parties fully exchanged views on how to promote Vietnam-China cultural exchange through nongovernmental channels.

45. From December 18 to 19, a Chinese delegation of officials from the Ministry of Culture and representatives of educational, social, scientific and cultural institutions, headed by Meng Xiaosi, Vice Minister of Culture, attended the China-Spain Forum and Cultural Committee meeting jointly held by Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Spanish Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Meng Xiaosi delivered a keynote speech entilted A Combination of Chinese and Western Elements & Friendship Transcending Long Distances. A total of 13 representatives, including Wu Jianmin, President of Foreign Affairs University, Sun Nansheng, Vice Secretary-General of CICA and Zhang Yu, the General Manager of China Performing Arts Agency, etc. delivered speeches at the meeting and conducted heated discussion with other representatives. Summative document formed on cultural committee meeting emphasized that the two parties would further strengthen cooperation and communication in the fields of culture, education and science, and encourage and support cultural exchanges through nongovernmental channels and expand the dimensions for bilateral exchanges. The cultural committee meeting was hosted by Wang Yansheng, Assistant Director-General of Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture.

46. On December 26, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA attended the council meeting and reception meeting held at the Great Hall of the People for the 40th anniversary of Sino-Japanese Friendship Association.

47. On December 30, Liu Deyou, Executive Vice Chairman of CICA met with the 3-member delegation led by Yokoyama Yingji, the Minister of Kyudo Department of National College Sports Alliance of Japan, and conducted discussions on the history, current status and the relevance of kyudo in real life. Zhang Aiping, the Vice Party Secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture was present at the meeting.