“The Lecture Series by ASEAN and Chinese Ambassadors” Successfully Held in Chongqing

On 27 November 2018, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) successfully held the 11th session of “the Lecture Series by ASEAN and Chinese Ambassadors” at Chongqing University. Professor Liu Hanlong, Vice President of Chongqing University, Mr. Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China to ASEAN, Mr. Tan Hung Seng, Permanent Representative of Singapore to ASEAN, Ms. Elizabeth Buensuceso, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN and other members of the 8th ACC Joint Council, were invited to participate in the event. Also attended the event were Mr. Chen Dehai, ACC Secretary-General and Mr. Tang Wen, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government. 

Professor Liu Hanlong delivered welcome remarks. He stated that Chongqing University has been carrying out an internationalization strategy by taking an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative and further promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. He anticipated that the lecture would provide insights into the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN countries, help students get a clear picture of China-ASEAN relations, and foster a stronger sense of responsibility on students to contribute to the friendship between China and ASEAN countries.

ACC Secretary-General Mr. Chen Dehai stressed in his opening remarks that the purpose of holding the Lecture Series by ASEAN and Chinese Ambassadors was to enhance awareness of the young generations about ASEAN and ASEAN-China relations and further promote friendship among the peoples. He encouraged young students to actively take part in exchanges with ASEAN countries and become envoys for ASEAN-China friendship in the future. 

Ambassador Huang Xilian, Ambassador Tan Hung Seng and Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso delivered keynote speeches respectively under the theme of  “Future of ASEAN-China Relations”.

Ambassador Huang Xilian stated that the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 sets a blueprint for the mid-and long-term development of China-ASEAN relations. The goal is to forge a higher level of strategic partnership and a closer community of shared future. Under the guidance of Vision 2030, China and ASEAN are committed to be partners for common development, peace, greater openness and win-win progress, entrepreneurship and innovation, inclusiveness and mutual learning.

Ambassador Tan Hung Seng, in his speech, addressed three key questions, namely “how are ASEAN-China relations strong?” “how are they mutually beneficial?” and “how are ASEAN-China relations strategic?” He focused on the achievements of ASEAN-China relationship over the years and concluded by emphasizing that the relationship is strong and multi-faceted, mutually beneficial, and of strategic importance.

Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso reviewed major dialogue, coordination and cooperation mechanisms involving ASEAN and China, in particular, in the three pillar areas of political-security cooperation, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. She opined that looking into the future, both sides should further strengthen the strategic partnership and make concerted efforts to contribute to the integration, connectivity, prosperity and sustainable development in the region.

Representatives from other ASEAN member states joined the panel session to share their perspectives on the future of ASEAN-China relations and answer questions raised by the audience. Around 400 students from Chongqing University attended the event. Interactions at the lecture were inspiring and brought a warm atmosphere. 

Prior to the lecture, Professor Zhang Zongyi, President of Chongqing University, met with the ACC Joint Council Delegation and exchanged views on education cooperation between Chongqing University and ASEAN countries.