Editor's note: Special series "Men of the People" was launched to look at the Communist Party of China's diverse members ahead of its 100th anniversary. In this episode, CGTN reporter Su Yuting talks with Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, to learn more about how the diplomat has dedicated his life to people-to-people diplomacy.

"I have been engaged in diplomatic service for more than 30 years. I love this service as a diplomat, I got a lot of titles from the African friends, they give me a lot titles, but the best one I like to have, and I feel very proud of is the 'Ambassador of the People'," said Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Diplomats are dedicated to promoting mutual understanding, friendship and trust among the people of China and around the world.

"I am very happy to serve as a diplomat of the People's Republic of China, and traveling around almost 100 countries around the world, and serve as an ambassador to Liberia, Malawi and South Africa," Lin said.

Now, Lin is the president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. He says this is the association for people-to-people's diplomacy, which has been the key focus of Lin's work. 

Lin led the association to mobilize foreign enterprises and local organizations to go to central China's Wuhan City and provide support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We helped mobilize Chinese cities and local friendship associations to donate a large amount of medical supplies to more than 70 sister cities and friendly organizations in 39 countries and regions in the world," he added. 

Lin stressed that China has never waged a war of aggression and adheres to peaceful development.

"We always believe the (job of a) diplomat is not to fight, but to find the solution to seek the common ground while reserving differences," Lin said. "And as a diplomat, that is our job."

Lin added that China has become a major engine driving world development and an important force safeguarding world peace. 

"As a diplomat, I deeply feel that the justice always prevail. The restoration of China's legitimate seat at the United Nations is a right choice and served the fundamental interest of the world," he added. 

"Here is the guesthouse (in which) I received foreign friends. I like to start from here," said Lin, who has decorated the guesthouse with traditional Chinese calligraphy. 

"This is the core meaning of President Xi Jinping's Thought, win-win cooperation for common development. Foreign friends are very interested to stand here to take a picture of what we write here in Chinese. The meaning is there. This is the guidance of China's international relations and international cooperation."

Lin added the door of the association is always open, welcoming friends to visit and learn more about China.