On 24 February 2016, the 2nd ASEAN-China International Youth Football Tournament welcoming activities were held in Dongxing, Guangxi Autonomous Region. The Tournament was co-sponsored by China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) and the People’s Government of Dong Xing, supported by Chinese Football Association and ASEAN-China Centre (ACC). H.E. Mme. She Jing, Vice President of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, Mr. Chen Jianlin, Mayor of Dong Xing and representatives of Chinese Football Association, Guangxi Football Association, CCTV Sports and Entertainment Co. LTD., coaches, athletes and referees attended the event.
Vice President She Jing said that CSCLF had been supporting the development of China youth football. The purpose of organizing the Tournament was to take football competition as a platform to promote youth sports development, enhance people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding, and ultimately increase ASEAN-China friendship. She hoped that all the participants could enjoy the games, emerged in Chinese people’s passion for football and experience the charms of Dong Xing, a city along the “Belt and Road”.
Mayor Chen Jianlin said that Dongxing was China’s only port city connected with ASEAN on both land and sea, separated only by one river from Mong Cai, Viet Nam. ASEAN-China International Youth Football Tournament was first held in Dongxing in 2015, providing a football feast to both Chinese and Vietnamese football fans on the border at their doorway. Moreover, through the broadcast of CCTV this year, the tournament would also raise Dongxing’s profile among football fans nationwide. He said Dongxing would strengthen its communication with ASEAN Member States and try its best to upgrade this youth tournament into a game with international influence and reputation.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping said that football was welcomed by the general public, and especially popular with the teenagers. Participants could communicate with each other through the games, not only gaining fitness and entertainment, but also cultivating the good habits of fair play and solidarity. Since the establishment of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, exchanges in culture, sports and other relevant areas had set up a bridge for communication between the two sides, and enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the people. 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations. It was also the first year after realization of the ASEAN Community. At the new starting point of ASEAN-China relations, ACC would continue to support exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the fields of culture, sport and youth so as to promote the sustained development of ASEAN-China relations.
Representatives of CSCLF and the Municipal Government of Dongxing presented souvenirs to players and coaches of the football teams.
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