ACC representatives attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 ASEAN Plus Three Training Program on ‘Understanding China’

On 21 May 2018, the Opening Ceremony of the2018 ASEAN plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) Training Program on Understanding China was held at the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Hosted by the Ministry of Education of China and organized by Beijing Foreign Studies University, the programme welcomed representatives from relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Ministry of Education of China, the Ambassador of Myanmar in China and the Ambassador of the Philippines in China, representatives from embassies of other ASEAN countries in China as well as the Japanese and Korean embassies in China, leaders from Beijing Foreign Studies University, and the 44 trainees from ASEAN countries attended the ceremony. Ms. Zhou Hui, Deputy Director of the Education, Culture and Tourism Division (ECTD) of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), participated in the Opening Ceremony and delivered remarks. Mr. Yan Guohua, Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, welcomed all the participating young officials for this training programme in his opening remarks. He said that the international community needs the ASEAN Member States plus China, Japan and the ROK, which have geographical proximity, economic complementarity and cultural affinity, to join hands in responding to various kinds of crisis and challenges and bring tangible benefits to all the people in the region, making the 10+3 mechanism an important driver for the recovery and development of the global economy. Vice President Yan Guohua extended his hope that all trainees will observe China’s development from the perspective of appreciation, mutual learning and sharing, which will promote exchanges and mutual appreciation as well as harmonious co-existence of different civilizations, and make contributions to building a shared community for mankind.

H.E. Mr. Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Ambassador of the Philippines in China expressed that with China playing a greater role in global affairs, there has been a surge of interest to comprehend and study this extraordinary country. China’s fascinating civilization and history is a treasure trove of lessons and wisdom which many countries can draw from. Ms. Ma Naifang, Deputy Director of Regional Cooperation Office of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, pointed out that China is the biggest trading partner, the largest export market and an important investment source for East Asian countries. China will adhere to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and enhance cooperation with every country, advancing cooperation in each field and bringing benefits to the countries and the people in the region. 

Ms. Zhou Hui, Deputy Director of ECTD of ACC, introduced the key and major work of ACC. She said that China and ASEAN are good neighbours, good friends and good partners. ASEAN-China cooperation has gone far beyond the bilateral scope and has become an important force for promoting peace, stability and common prosperity in the region. The ‘10+3’ cooperation has become one of the most important cooperation mechanisms in Asia. She hoped that the trainees will strengthen their comprehensive understanding about China and deepen mutual understanding, trust and friendship, while making positive contributions to the sustainable development of their respective country and the region at large and building a shared community for mankind in Asia.

Mr. Niu Huayong, Director of International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University and Mr. Moe Htet Kyaw, First Secretary of the Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, spoke on behalf of the training faculty and trainees respectively, and hoped to enhance the trainees’ understanding about China through this programme and promote the ‘10+3’ cooperation and common development in the region.