The ACC: a Centre for Activities

Source:ASEAN-China Centre Convert Chinese

Carrying out activities, as one of the mandates entrusted to the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), constitutes the foundation of the ACC’s establishment, development and reputation. The Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing the ASEAN-China Centre between the Governments of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Government of the People’s Republic of China positions the ACC as a “one-stop information and activities centre”. Since its establishment in November 2011, the ACC has been fulfilling its own functions, and launching dozens of flagship projects on an annual basis, in such fields as trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and media. In particular, after the pandemic of COVID-19, the ACC has seized the important opportunity of the rapid recovery of ASEAN-China exchanges, and hosted, participated in or supported over 100 programs or projects each year, achieving good political, economic and social effects in China and ASEAN countries, promoting friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between both sides, and contributing to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Since its establishment, the ACC has been living up to the principles as follows: 

First, the ACC’s endeavors always focus on the annual theme governing China-ASEAN cooperation, guided by the strategic consensus between the leaders on both sides and in line with the spirit and outcome of the annual ASEAN-China Leaders’ Meeting, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Senior Officials’ Consultation and other important meetings and documents. The ACC keeps close pace with the changing international landscape and the trend of regional integration, and follows the latest developments in China, ASEAN Member States (AMS) and ASEAN-China relations, so as to identify the cooperation needs on both sides and decide on cooperation projects accordingly. Meetings of the ACC Joint Council (JC), Joint Executive Board (JEB) and JEB Working Group are held on a regular basis to conduct in-depth discussions on the priority and key areas for ASEAN-China cooperation, putting forward recommendations and generating decisions. As an earnest implementer, the ACC Secretariat fulfills its duty by organizing a variety of activities in an effective and productive manner.  

(On 9 December 2023, the 13th Joint Council Meeting of the ACC was held in Quanzhou of Fujian Province.)

Second, the ACC always stays true to its position as an inter-governmental organization. The ACC came into being when ASEAN-China cooperation was institutionalized after decades of growth, so it stands its ground and sticks to the position as the sole inter-governmental organization jointly established by AMS and China when carrying out activities. Taking into consideration of the overall development of ASEAN-China relations, national conditions, domestic and foreign policies of AMS, the ACC has maintained close communication and cooperation with government authorities of AMS and China, the ASEAN Secretariat, diplomatic missions of AMS in China and Chinese diplomatic missions in ASEAN and AMS, to ensure that all member states work together to promote cooperation and exchanges to the benefits of all parties. The ACC always adheres to its policies and positions when dealing with enterprises, social organizations, universities, media and other international organizations, and brings its strength into full play as a bridge of communication and a platform of cooperation between AMS and China.

(On 4 July 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC hosted the visiting Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of ASEAN at the ACC.)

Third, the ACC always upholds inclusiveness and multilateralism. As an outcome of ASEAN-China multilateral cooperation, the ACC commits itself to promoting common development through consultation, coordination and collaboration. Guided by the principle of integrity, fairness, mutual respect, equality and sincere consultation, the ACC takes heed of and solicits the views of all parties towards securing cooperation with harmony and understanding. The ACC upholds the principle of openness and inclusiveness, promotes deeper connections among all parties, introduces China’s ideas and advocates the “ASEAN Way” to fulfil the mission of promoting the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for common prosperity.  

(On 26 April 2024, the ACC hosted Dialogue for a Better Understanding of China at Beijing Geely Representative Office.)

Fourth, the ACC always adheres to the concept of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The ACC actively plays the role of a bridge for two-way communication, to promote wide-ranging, in-depth and high-level mutually beneficial cooperation between AMS and China. The ACC actively serves alignment of development strategies between AMS and China, and organized the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Connecting ASEAN” events in Laos on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2023, which contributed to ASEAN-China cooperation in the new era through observing the norms of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. The ACC actively organizes study tours and promotional activities in AMS and China, to explore opportunities for cooperation, build consensus and promote a higher level of economic integration and coordinated development. The ACC also provides matchmaking opportunities for enterprises on both sides to carry out practical cooperation, promotes mutual market opening, facilitates regional economic integration and strives towards quality development and common prosperity in the region. 

(On 19 May 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun attended and addressed RCEP Media & Think Tank Forum in Haikou of Hainan Province.)

(On 26 to 29 November 2023, the ACC co-hosted Belt & Road Connecting ASEAN Events in Vientiane & Luang Prabang of Lao PDR.)

(On 6 to 7 March 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun led a Chinese business delegation on a working visit to Hanoi and Hai Phong in Vietnam.)

Fifth, the ACC always embraces innovative thinking. Keeping pace with the times and responding to the needs of the new situation, the ACC endeavors to build on its past achievements and strengthen innovation in terms of project design, content and implementation, and foster new highlights of ASEAN-China exchanges and cooperation. With careful design and pooling of resources, the ACC has successfully launched its latest flagship program “ASEAN-China Week”, to contribute to the continuous growth of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The ACC has grasped the new opportunities arising from China’s development of new quality productive forces and promoted the development of ASEAN-China cooperation in various fields towards high technology, high efficiency and high quality, to inject new stimulus into ASEAN-China practical cooperation. The ACC stays committed to building a three-dimensional communication matrix of ASEAN-China media cooperation, so as to enhance the strength, speed and popularity of promoting exchanges and cooperation between both sides.

(The ASEAN-China Week 2023 and ASEAN-China Week 2024 were successfully held respectively in Fuzhou of Fujian Province and Changzhi of Shanxi Province.) 

[On 5 June 2024, the ACC co-hosted the ASEAN (Malaysia)-China Conference on Emerging Industries in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia.]

[On 21 August 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun attended and addressed the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) in Guiyang of Guizhou Province.]

(On 21 June 2024, the ACC hosted the 2024 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Dezhou of Shandong Province.)

Sixth, the ACC always holds up high the banner of friendship and cooperation. China and AMS enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a time-honored amity, which provide an inexhaustible driving force for the development of friendly relations. The ACC is committed to maintaining and enhancing the friendship between both sides through deepening cooperation, as friendship and cooperation reinforce each other for sustainable development. In terms of network building, the ACC has established and maintained close contacts with government authorities, diplomatic missions, enterprises, social organizations, universities, academic institutions, media, and private sectors from AMS and China as well as other international organizations. The ACC’s good connections expand beyond the capitals and delve into various localities. The ACC treats each partner with sincerity and makes joint efforts to ensure the success of cooperation projects to mutual benefit and common interests. The ACC will seize the opportunity of the “2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges” to promote greater mutual understanding, affinity and integration between both sides, and to usher in a new chapter of ASEAN-China friendship and build a prosperous and bright future for all.

(On 18 December 2023, the ACC Sponsored the launching ceremony of Logo Design Contest for 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges in Changzhi of Shanxi Province. )

[On 9 April 2024, the ACC co-hosted the opening ceremony of ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-people Exchanges in Zhengzhou of Henan Province.]

(On 15 July 2024, the ACC hosted the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China Youth Basketball Tournament and Cultural Exchange Activities in Malipo County of Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province.)