International Conference to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Held in Beijing

On 11 April 2016, the International Conference to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), was held in Beijing. Nearly 100 people, including scholars from China and 10 ASEAN countries, officials from the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from ASEAN Embassies in Beijing, officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, and reporters from Chinese and ASEAN media, attended the Opening Ceremony of the Conference.

The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Dr. Ruan Zongze, Vice-President of CIIS. Ambassador Su Ge, President of CIIS, and H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, delivered speeches. H.E. Dr. AKP Mochtan, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, delivered a keynote speech.

Ambassador Su Ge said that both the world and the region had undergone significant changes since China and ASEAN established dialogue relations, but the friendly relations between China and ASEAN had endured all the changes and been continuously reinforcing. Bilateral economic and trade relations has been continuously deepened, strategic partnership has been consistently developed and people-to-people exchange has been more frequent. Throughout the 25 years, the two sides had deepened mutual understanding and trust, which laid a solid foundation for future cooperation. He emphasized that neighbours could not be chosen. As friends and close neighbours, China and ASEAN should bear in mind the big picture and sort out differences and problems through communication and dialogue. The two sides could continue to deepen cooperation on the three pillars of economy, security and culture, and jointly promote the continuous development of ASEAN-China relations. 

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping said that the purpose of the Conference was to review past experience and explore how to further deepen ASEAN-China cooperation in the future. Since the establishment of dialogue relations in 1991, political mutual trust had been constantly enhanced. The all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging cooperation between both sides had borne rich fruits. ASEAN-China strategic partnership had not only promoted development of the 11 countries and betterment of people’s lives, but also contributed to peace and prosperity in Asia and the world as a whole. The world economy was currently experiencing a sluggish recovery, while the momentum of development in our region remained to be strong. China and ASEAN were standing at new starting point of respective development. China had adopted the 13th Five-Year Plan. ASEAN Community had been realized. ASEAN-China relations enjoyed huge potential and embraced a brighter future. Think tanks played an important role in the development of ASEAN-China relations. It was expected that the scholars would share their wisdom and insights, and propose practical suggestions for ASEAN-China cooperation, so as to implement the leaders’ consensus for tangible results.

Dr. Mochtan delivered a keynote speech titled “Forging ahead together: 2025”. He said that the fast growth of China’s economy and influence had attracted so much attention in the world. At the same time, ASEAN Community had been realized and ASEAN Vision 2025 had been put forward, which was also getting worldwide attention. The combined GDP of the 10 ASEAN countries reached 2.4 trillion USD and ASEAN ranked the 7th largest economy in the world. ASEAN-China cooperation had achieved tangible results in political, economic, social and cultural fields. Asia was the most populous and fast growing region in the world. Although there were differences between China and some ASEAN countries, both sides needed to see the big picture of regional development and treat the differences from a strategic perspective. Close neighbours were much important than distant relatives. China Dream had similarities with the dreams of ASEAN countries. Both sides should move forward and prosper together. 

After the Opening Ceremony, the scholars had extensive and in-depth discussions on three sessions of “Experience and Inspiration Learnt from 25 Years of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations”, “Deepen Economic Cooperation between China and ASEAN: Opportunities and Challenges” and “Develop Cultural Dialogue and Increase Understanding between People”. They considered that the Conference came at the right time and had significance in promoting ASEAN-China relations.

The scholars and guests paid visit to ACC after the conclusion of the Conference.