China's major foreign affairs institutions and organizations are as follows:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of relations with other countries, and consular and overseas Chinese affairs. There are foreign affairs offices in each province, autonomous region and municipality directly under the Central Government, responsible for handling foreign-related affairs in those localities under the leadership of the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry has set up commissioners' offices in special administrative regions. These offices handle foreign affairs managed by the Central Government and related to the special administrative regions, and serve as the channels of contact between the special administrative regional governments and the Central Government on such foreign affairs. The current foreign minister is Li Zhaoxing; the current commissioner of the foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is Yang Wenchang, and the current commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in the Macao Special Administrative Region is Wan Yongxiang.
Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
Representing the Chinese people, the Association makes contacts and promotes exchanges with friendly organizations and people all over the globe furthering the cause of friendship and mutual understanding between peoples. The Association, founded in May 1954, has branches in all China's provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Its current president is Chen Haosu.
Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs
Founded in December 1949, the Institute focuses on international studies and foreign policy research, conducts international exchanges and people-to-people diplomatic activities, with the aim of enhancing friendship between the Chinese and people of other nations, develops China's international relations, and contributes to world peace. The Institute works to establish contacts with political activists, diplomats and other distinguished individuals overseas, along with organizations and scholars involved in international studies. It organizes and participates in a variety of seminars, forums, etc. for discussion of international issues. Its current president is Lu Qiutian.
