take part in参加…, 参与…活动
例句：John takes part in many school activities.
约翰参加很多学校里的活动。

2. Relations between China and Japan have had their ups and downs to say the least.

ups and downs盛衰;沉浮
例句：The company has undergone many ups and downs.
这家公司历经盛衰浮沉。

3. But the organizers of this programme hope events like this can bring both countries closer together.

bring together使相识; 使坐在一起; 使会面
例句：The opposing forces on the island have been brought together for peace talks.
岛上的敌对势力已经坐下来进行和平磋商。