On 18 November 2011, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was inaugurated by leaders of all the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China and ASEAN Secretary-General during the Commemorative Summit marking the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations.
Over the past decade, ACC has been following the prevailing trend of development and cooperation in the Asian region, sticking to its positioning as an international governmental organisation, fully harnessing its role of a one-stop information and activities centre, and conscientiously implementing the consensus reached by leaders of AMS and China and the medium and long-term cooperation plans between the two sides. Under the annual themes of ASEAN-China cooperation, ACC has worked together with governments and civil society from both sides to steadily boost friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between ASEAN and China in the fields of trade, investment, education, culture, tourism and media and information, generating good political, economic and social effects and contributing greatly to the promotion of ASEAN-China strategic partnership and regional development and prosperity.
1. Build Partnership Network and Forge New Platform for Regional Cooperation
As the sole inter-governmental organisation co-founded by the ten AMS and China, ACC represents a new breakthrough in 10+1 cooperation mechanism and a new platform for regional cooperation. ACC has always attached importance to forging links and strengthening cooperation with all walks of life in AMS and China, and has built its image as a bridge and platform by creating an all-round, multi-level and wide-ranging network of partnership, laying a solid foundation for the advancement of its undertakings in various fields.
(1) Strengthen High-level Planning and Guidance
In May 2013, Dr. Nguyen Thien Nhan, Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam, and Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, successively visited ACC.
To increase consensus and draw up blueprints for cooperation, ACC has maintained close contact with high-level government officials and competent authorities of AMS and China in various fields such as foreign affairs, trade, investment, industry, commerce, education, culture, tourism and media, creating favorable conditions for practical cooperation. Over the past ten years, many high-level officials have visited ACC, including Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, Mr. U Wunna Maung Lwin, Foreign Minister of Myanmar, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Foreign Minister of Thailand, Mr. U Aye Myint Kyu, Minister of Culture of Myanmar, Mr. Nguyen Thien Nhan, Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Lim Jock Seng, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Mr. Seri Mohammad Yasmin, Minister of Energy and Industry, Prime Minister's Office of Brunei, Mr. Martin Andanar, Secretary for the Presidential Communications Operations Office, and Mr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia.
When visiting AMS, ACC’s Secretaries-General met with many high-rank officials and local leaders and exchanged views with them on promoting ASEAN-China cooperation in various fields. Among them were Mr. Mahendra Siregar, Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, Ms. Khemmany Pholsena, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, Mr. Armin Luistro, Minister of Education of the Philippines, Mr. Phinij Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Chairman of Thai-Chinese Culture Promotion Committee , Mr. Lim Jock Seng, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, Mr. U Ohn Maung, Minister of Tourism of Myanmar, and Mr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia. In addition, ACC’s Secretaries-General participated in major regional political events such as Foreign Ministers’ Meetings on East Asia Cooperation and ASEAN-China Summits, holding in-depth exchanges to seek cooperation with all parties involved.
(2) Enlarge and Intensify Partnership Network
ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai met with Mr. Pehin Dato Rahmani Dato Basir, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China. ACC exchanged views with senior commercial officials of AMS embassies in China.
To maintain close collaboration with AMS embassies and consulates in China, ACC has established sound relationships with AMS diplomatic envoys and officials at all levels in China, keeping abreast of policies and needs for better implementation of projects of both sides. All divisions within ACC have kept in close contact with AMS embassy officials in charge of commerce, education, cultural tourism and media, conducting in-depth joint research to enhance coordination and resource integration and jointly organising exchange activities in various fields.
ACC has maintained regular exchanges with Chinese central government and local authorities to promote ASEAN-China relations both in various fields and at the local level. With the signing of cooperation agreements and the amelioration of communication mechanisms, ACC and its partners have co-hosted and supported each other’s projects and activities, further advancing China's opening-up towards and cooperation with ASEAN in various fields and at all levels.
ACC has continuously strengthened coordination and cooperation with Chinese diplomatic missions in AMS, exchanging views on promoting ASEAN-China cooperation and supporting each other’s work.
ACC has established and increased channels of dialogue, communication and consultation with enterprises, civil organisations, universities, academic institutions, think tanks, mainstream media and private sectors in AMS and China to further expand its circle of friends. By receiving visitors from different sectors, ACC actively explores opportunities for cooperation and keeps improving information and resource sharing to create favourable conditions for the implementation of various activities.
ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai met with Mr. Masataka Fujita, Secretary-General of AJC, and Mr. Lee Hyuk, Secretary-General of AKC. ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai met with Mr. Vladimir Norov, Secretary-General of SCO.
ACC has attached great importance to deepening collaboration with other multilateral mechanisms. It has worked with the ASEAN Secretariat to plan and organise important cooperation projects, and regularly holds informal meetings with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC). It has maintained good partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and supported each other’s activities. Regular contacts have also been kept with the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, ASEAN Plus Three (ATP) Cooperation Secretariat, the United Nations, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and ASEAN Foundation.
Through setting up booths at major exhibitions and expos, giving media interviews, publishing articles and holding social salons, ACC has successfully promoted its functions and achievements. In the process of interacting with ASEAN and Chinese people, ACC has established its profile as a promoter of good neighborliness, a facilitator of practical cooperation and a spreader of friendship between ASEAN and China.
(3) Steadily Promote ACC’s Self-building & Development
In accordance with 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 (the Memorandum), ACC, as an inter-governmental international organisation, has worked in a diversified, harmonious, practical, efficient and professional manner to strengthen capacity building and improve the operation and management of its Secretariat to better serve the cause of ASEAN-China friendship and cooperation.
ACC has established a set of rules and regulations, defining its logo, flag and the three-tier organisational structure including the Joint Council (decision-making body), the Joint Executive Board (advisory body) and the Secretariat (executing body). ACC has improved the management level of the Secretariat, formulated and implemented rules and regulations, and established a management system for personnel and financial resources to boost logistics support. ACC also improved the rules and regulations according to the needs of the situation, and the revised version of the above-mentioned Memorandum was signed in August 2017 listing “information and media” as one of the key areas of ACC’s remit.
ACC holds the JC meeting and JEB meeting every year.
ACC has convened its own institutional meetings successfully. Meetings of the ACC Joint Council (JC), Joint Executive Board (JEB) and JEB Working Group are held on a regular basis to have in-depth discussions, put forward suggestions and make decisions on the priorities and key areas of ASEAN-China cooperation, the past achievements, the future work plans, budget and other major issues, to be followed by the implementation of cooperation projects and exchange activities in various fields.
2. Deepen Trade & Investment Cooperation to Promote Common Development of ASEAN and China
Development serves as the fundamental interest and common objective for ASEAN and China. Since the establishment of dialogue relations in 1991, economic and trade cooperation between the two sides has gained leapfrog development and become an important engine for promoting prosperity of East Asia. ACC, together with government agencies of AMS and China, embassies and consulates of AMS in China, business associations, think tanks, enterprises and international organisations, has actively built trade and investment platforms in key areas of cooperation between the two sides, advancing economic integration and making contributions to the development and prosperity of the region.
(1) Promote ASEAN-China Trade and Investment Policies
ACC hosted a series of ASEAN-China trade and investment promotion events in various provinces, autonomous regions and cities of China.
ACC has organised numerous trade and investment promotion activities and seminars to present ASEAN-China trade and investment policies and regulations and investment environment, raising awareness of ASEAN-China cooperation among all parties. ACC held a series of lectures on ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), interpreted and promoted the upgraded FTA. ACC participated in high-level forums, exhibitions and lectures on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) to promote the process of regional economic integration. ACC held the Seminars on “ASEAN Economies: Opportunities and Challenges” and on Strengthening Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)-China Trade & Investment Cooperation. AMS economic and trade promotion meetings were organised to raise Chinese people's awareness of ASEAN.
ACC hosts regularly ASEAN-China trade and investment promotion events, ASEAN-China economic and trade forums, and China-Southeast Asia business forums in various provinces, autonomous regions and cities in China. The various activities organised by ACC, including economic and trade negotiations, trade and investment promotions, business match-making, seminars, project releases and field visits, not only facilitated AMS’s understanding of China's local development and cooperation needs, but also provided authoritative information channels for Chinese provinces and cities to “go global” and explore international cooperation.
Such influential regional and international events held or attended by ACC greatly elevated ASEAN-China practical cooperation, including the South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair, ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Consultations, SCO International Investment and Trade Expo, Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, and China-Northeast Asia Expo.
(2) Foster New Highlights in Innovation and Digital Economy Cooperation
On 25 July 2019, ACC held the “Innovation Leading Development: 2019 ASEAN-China Intelligent Industry Conference” in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
Adhering to the philosophy of innovation-driven development, ACC focuses on areas such as innovation economy, artificial intelligence, big data, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, e-commerce and sustainable development. Under the themes of ASEAN-China Innovation Year and Digital Economy Cooperation Year, ACC held successively the ASEAN-China E-Commerce Cooperation Dialogue and the ASEAN-China Smart Industry Conference in Indonesia and Viet Nam, and the ASEAN-China Digital Economy Industry Forum (GCCAC) and the ASEAN-China Digital Economy Cooperation Conference in Beijing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Guiyang and other cities in China, promoting bigger investment by both parties in innovation and digital economy, and boosting the sound development of new technologies, applications and business models.
ACC supported and facilitated the construction of the ASEAN-China E-commerce Trading Centre and the ASEAN-China Information Harbour, hosted the China-ASEAN Industrial Design and Innovation Forum and the Roundtable of “New Rural E-commerce in China”, and organised the ASEAN Smart City Study Visit. ACC invited AMS officials to visit Wuhan Optics Valley, Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) Robot Group, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), IFYTEK, Gezhouba International Engineering, Alibaba and other high-tech parks and key technological innovation enterprises in China. ACC facilitated the signing of strategic cooperation memorandums between the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Chinese high-tech enterprises and further deepened cooperation on innovation between the two sides.
ACC participated in science and technology events such as the World Robot Conference, the World Internet Conference, the China International Big Data Industry Expo, and the Smart China Expo to closely follow the evolution of the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation and enlarge ACC's influence in cutting-edge areas.
(3) Boost ASEAN-China Economic Integration
On 29 November 2020, ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai attended the 10th Anniversary Forum on the Full Establishment of CAFTA.
Through various platforms, ACC has introduced products from ASEAN and China to each other's markets, promoting the Belt and Road and industrial capacity cooperation between the two sides, stimulating sub-regional cooperation and narrowing development gaps. ACC has regularly organised trade and investment promotion activities in AMS, inviting Chinese enterprises to visit industrial parks and major projects and have face-to-face exchanges with AMS governments, Chinese embassies and consulates there and local business associations and enterprises. Such activities allowed the participants to share first-hand information and enhance understanding of the investment environment in ASEAN, and facilitated the realisation of cooperation intentions and the implementation of projects.
As the western, central and northeastern China intend to extend cooperation with ASEAN, ACC has seized this opportunity to deepen ASEAN-China cooperation at a local level by encouraging AMS enterprises to invest and start businesses in China. ACC has contributed to building ASEAN-China trade platforms and facilitated the entry of ASEAN products into the Chinese market by setting up ASEAN pavilions in important expos such as the China International Grain and Oil Expo (CIGOEX). ACC has organised officials of AMS embassies and consulates in China and ASEAN entrepreneurs to visit economic development zones, trading platforms and leading enterprises in China. In addition, ACC supported the establishment of the China (Sichuan)-ASEAN Free Trade Cooperation Centre and the China-ASEAN Business Centre, and participated in the China-ASEAN Expo, China International Import Expo, China International Fair for Trade in Services, China International Fair for Investment & Trade, Central China Investment and Trade Exposition, and China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair, providing strong support for AMS to expand economic and trade cooperation with China.
To promote the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN-China connectivity, ACC hosted a series of activities including the ASEAN-China Production Capacity Cooperation Forum, the Belt and Road Cooperation Forum, the International Forum on the Cooperation of the Six Provinces in Central China on the Belt and Road Initiative, and the China-Japan-ROK Belt and Road Business Conference. ACC attended the China (Chongqing)-Singapore Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity Financial Summit, the ASEAN Connectivity Workshop on Increasing Awareness of Master Plan of ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, and the 2020 Belt and Road Roundtable on Ecological Industry Cooperation and Development. ACC also took part in the promotion of sub-regional cooperation, supporting the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor, Pan-Beibu Gulf regional cooperation and the Lan-Mekong cooperation.
(4) Ramp up Industrial and Local Cooperation
ACC organised visits to local high-tech industrial parks for officials of AMS diplomatic missions in China.
Focusing on regional development goals and common interests, ACC has striven to promote the synergy between ASEAN and China governments, chambers of commerce, industry associations and enterprises, the optimal allocation of production factors and the integration of the whole industrial chain. Aiming at facilitating industrial exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, ACC has hosted and participated in various activities such as ASEAN-China industry cooperation seminars, China-ASEAN Agricultural Industry Summit Forum, China-ASEAN Mining Cooperation Forum & Exhibition, China Medical and Health Care Products Exhibition, China-ASEAN Industrial Chain, China International Logistics and Supply Chain Fair, China Bee Products Cooperation Forum, China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation Forum, and the Silk Road International Business Association (Dunhuang) Roundtable.
To reinforce complementary advantages, ACC has taken an active part in building regional platforms for dialogue among governments and enterprises, and hosted and participated in international conferences such as the China-ASEAN Business Leaders Forum, China (Sichuan)-South and Southeast Asia Business Leaders Summit, and China Pilot Free Trade Zone Development Conference.
To support the development of small and medium enterprises on both sides, ACC hosted the ASEAN-China Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Conference for Cooperation and Development. To strengthen capacity building of enterprises from both sides, ACC organised entrepreneur training programmes with think tanks, attended the China-ASEAN Entrepreneurs High-level Cooperation Dialogue, ASEAN-China Women Entrepreneurs Start-ups and Innovation Forum, ASEAN-China Youth Entrepreneur Forum and International Roundtable of Multinational Corporations’ Leaders. ACC compiled books including China Import Guide and ASEAN-China Trade Overview, rendering support to enterprises from ASEAN and China in exploring each other’s market.
3. Promote Social and People-to-people Exchanges and Foster Understanding Between ASEAN and Chinese People
ASEAN and China are linked by mountains and rivers and enjoy cultural affinity. People-to-people exchanges serve as the third pillar for ASEAN-China relations after political security and economic cooperation. ACC has actively carried out exchange programmes in the fields of education, culture, tourism and information and media to continuously tighten cultural bonds between ASEAN and China, enhance mutual understanding and friendship and create friendly atmosphere, favorable public opinions and solid social foundation for the sustainable development of ASEAN-China relations.
(1) Promote Exchanges and Cooperation in Education
ACC supported the establishment of various alliances of ASEAN-China universities.
To deepen ASEAN-China cooperation in education, ACC, together with Chinese and ASEAN education departments, institutions and AMS embassies in China, has conscientiously co-organised exchange activities and built long-term cooperation mechanisms. To encourage higher education exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, ACC facilitated the establishment of the ASEAN-China Language and Culture Centre, initiated various alliances of ASEAN-China universities in medicine, arts and sports, and hosted ASEAN-China academic seminars and Lan-Mekong Education Cooperation Forum.
ACC organised field visits to Chinese provinces and cities for education officials from AMS embassies in China and training courses for local Chinese language teachers in AMS.
ACC held exchange meetings for experts and scholars and organised field visits to Chinese provinces and cities for education officials from AMS embassies in China. A series of lectures were held under the themes of “Introduction to Chinese Language Promotion Strategy”, “Introduction to Chinese Higher Education System” and “Experience Sharing in International Exchange and Cooperation among Chinese Universities”. There were also leadership training courses for AMS principals and local Chinese language teachers in AMS.
ACC organised a series of Online Briefings on Enrollment Policies of Chinese Universities towards AMS.
To encourage more Chinese students to study in AMS, a series of lectures on “Studying in ASEAN” were held. There were also various activities for AMS students studying in China, including sports meets, New Year celebrations, Chinese language competitions, online briefings on enrollment policies of Chinese universities towards AMS, and the Symposium on Vitalizing and Booming ASEAN-China People-to-people Exchanges. To promote youth exchanges between the two sides, ACC hosted activities such as the ASEAN-China Youth Forum, ASEAN-China Youth Summer and Winter Camps, ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Week, and International Student Day, and participated in the ASEAN Plus Three Training Programme on Understanding China.
ACC took part in the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week every year.
To enhance vocational education cooperation, ACC promoted mutual visits among ASEAN and Chinese vocational education institutions, and facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements and the establishment of vocational education cooperation alliances. ACC organised the ASEAN-China Vocational Education Summit, ASEAN-China International Forum on Vocational Education and Exhibition of Successful Cooperative Programs, and TVET Online Workshop. The ASEAN-China Vocational Education Student Exchange Internship and Practical Training Programme were implemented. ACC has played an important role in the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week and maintained a close partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO).
(2) Deepen Mutual Learning among Cultures and Civilizations
On 14 September 2021, ACC held the 2021 ASEAN-China Fair.
ACC works closely with Chinese and AMS government organs, cultural institutions, art and cultural groups, art colleges and universities, and the embassies of AMS in China, by means of cultural exchanges, cultural industry cooperation and cultural enlightenment, to showcase the uniqueness and diversity of the region and promote mutual appreciation and common development. ACC carried out activities at important time junctures, including art performance in AMS themed the ASEAN-China Cultural Exchange Year, the 25th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Gala, the Annual ASEAN-China Fair, the Commemorative Photo Exhibition of People-to-people exchanges, the Winter Solstice Festival Experience, the Beijing-ASEAN Cultural Tour, the Symposium on the ASEAN-China Intangible Heritage and the Group Exhibition of the ASEAN-China Academies of Fine Arts.
On 23 July 2021, ACC co-organised the ASEAN-China Cultural Forum.
ACC fosters the establishment of cultural cooperation platforms, and it has supported the ASEAN-China Cultural Forum, the ASEAN Plus Three Workshop on Cooperation for Cultural Human Resource Development, the Network of ASEAN Plus Three Culture Cities, the Round Table Meeting of the Heads of China-ASEAN Art Colleges and other institutional activities. ACC pushes forward cooperation on creativity and cultural industry, deepens exchanges in food culture and film & television, and it has organised the ASEAN Culture and Tourism Online Exhibition and the ASEAN Food Festival, and attended World Sichuan Cuisine Conference and China International Pickle Food Expo. ACC took part in the production of cultural and tourism documentary Hi! ASEAN, organised the ASEAN-China Film Festival and the ASEAN-China Workshop on Cooperation for Cultural Production Capacity, and supported the “ASEAN Guest of Honour Project” of Beijing International Film Festival.
From 3 to 6 August 2019, ACC co-hosted the 2019 “Soong Ching Ling” Cup China-ASEAN Youth Football Friendly Matches.
With an aim to invigorate the exchanges among children and youth, ACC hosted the “Soong Ching Ling Cup” China-ASEAN Youth Football Friendly Matches, established the theme website of A Window for ASEAN-China Children’s Culture Exchanges. ACC actively participated in international children's book-fares to promote children's books from ASEAN and China. ACC adopts the “Culture Plus” philosophy, and has pursued culture’s integration with tourism, science and technology, media, sports and other industries.
(3) Advance High-quality Development of Tourism Cooperation
On 17 January 2019, ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai attended the 22nd Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum.
ACC has expanded exchanges and working closely with tourism authorities, industry organisations, enterprises, colleges, universities, media and international organisations from AMS and China, to meet people’s new expectations for travel from both sides. To enhance policy dialogue and measure synergy of tourism industry, ACC supported and attended events like the ASEAN-China Tourism Development Forum, the ASEAN-China Tourism Cooperation Forum, the ASEAN Ecotourism Forum, the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the ASEAN Tourism Sector Meeting, the Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), the Meeting of ASEAN Plus Three NTOs, the Assembly of China-ASEAN Tourism Education Alliance (CATEA), and the Greater Mekong Sub-region Tourism Working Group Meeting.
From 17 to 20 September 2020, ACC co-hosted the 2020 ASEAN-China (Guiyang) Belt and Road Culture and Tourism Exchange Week.
To promote the building of tourism exchange mechanisms, ACC organised and participated in the ASEAN-China “Belt and Road” Culture and Tourism Exchange Week, the ASEAN Tourism Festival, international tourism trade fairs, regional tourism promotion department exchanges, as well as a series of activities themed the ASEAN-China Tourism Year. For the sake of enlarging tourism markets, ACC implemented ASEAN tourism promotion projects including online and offline platforms to forge high-quality tourism brands, routes and products. ACC organised field visits for media and co-produced ASEAN tourism documentaries and feature films, held tourism photography competition, and promoted the digitalisation level of tourism promotion products.
From 28 to 30 May 2019, ACC co-hosted a Chinese language training course for local Chinese tour guide teachers with the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
To intensify human resource development and cooperation in tourism, ACC held and participated in a series of activities including the International Conference on ASEAN Tourism Practitioner Qualification, the Chinese Tour Guide Training and Capacity Building Workshop of ASEAN, Chinese tour guide training courses, and tourism marketing training courses for AMS. In the context of regular epidemic prevention and control, ACC expanded tourism information service and sharing, and participated in the mid-term evaluation meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025 to jointly accelerate the recovery of regional tourism.
(4) Break New Ground in Media Dialogue and Cooperation
ACC has been committed to extending the network of ASEAN-China media partners, playing a role of media’s bridge to enhance information sharing, policy communication and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, which created a favourable atmosphere for the development of ASEAN-China relations. ACC promoted media industry synergy and cooperation, co-organised the ASEAN-China TV Week and the ASEAN-China Short Video Contest, and participated in international conferences such as the China-ASEAN Media Cooperation Seminar, the ASEAN-China Year of Media Exchanges events, the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Forum on Online Audio-Video Industry and the China Global Television Network (CGTN) Global Media Summit.
On 2 June 2021, ACC co-hosted the 2021 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum.
ACC has been stepping up efforts to forge the long-term and effective exchange platforms to promote media integration and development between the two sides by holding the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum, the ASEAN-China Media & Think-Tank Online Forum and attending the ASEAN Media Partners Forum, the RCEP Media and Think Tank Forum. To tell the stories of ASEAN-China win-win cooperation, ACC held “My ASEAN & China” Multimedia Art Exhibition Series and “Charming ASEAN” Photo Competition, organised ASEAN media’s trip to China and Chinese media’s trip to ASEAN for joint interviews, supported the Online International Conference on Securing a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society Share China’s Poverty Alleviation Programme-ASEAN Media's View on China's Poverty Alleviation, and invited ambassadors and diplomats from AMS to give interview to Chinese mainstream media.
From 24 to 29 October 2020, ACC organised a familiarisation trip for diplomats and journalists from AMS stationed in Beijing to visit Hunan Province.
Committed to promoting friendly cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese provinces and cities, ACC regularly organised media officials from AMS embassies and journalists in Beijing to visit various provinces and cities in China. Devoted to strengthening media capacity building, ACC organised seminars for media officials and mainstream media from both sides, arranged for representatives from ASEAN media to visit Chinese mainstream media, held a series of workshops on social media and lectures on cyber security, facilitated AMS embassies in China to open Chinese social media accounts.
4. Focus on Prioritized Areas and Broaden Prospects for Regional Cooperation and Solidarity
ACC has been following closely the regional development, and making conscientious efforts to brainstorming with all stakeholders on further boosting ASEAN-China strategic partnership to provide intellectual support and create a favourable atmosphere for the promotion of various cooperation undertakings, while cultivating new growth points and highlights for ASEAN-China cooperation in the new prioritized areas according to the needs from both sides.
(1) Organise and Participate in Major Theme Events
On 17 September 2021, ACC held the Symposium in Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.
ACC, together with diplomatic institutions, think tanks, and universities of AMS and China, has organised various seminars at key points in time concerning ASEAN-China relations, and conducted in-depth discussions to put forward suggestions on further promoting cooperation in various fields under new circumstances, which brought new impetus into the development of their relations. ACC organised the seminar on ASEAN-China 25 Years Relations, “New Beginning, New Opportunity-International” Symposium on Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, the seminar to Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, the Symposium on New Opportunities & New Partnership Cooperation between ASEAN and China after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Symposium and the Reception in Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. ACC attended the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony, a series of events on commemorating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the China-ASEAN Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations and other activities.
ACC organised receptions for Celebrating the anniversary of its establishment, the welcoming and farewell receptions in honour of successive ACC Secretaries-General, and ASEAN-China Relations Theme Photo Exhibitions. In December 2011, the Reception Celebrating the Establishment of ACC was held. Mr. Yang Jiechi, the then-Chinese Foreign Minister and Mr. Surin Pitsuwan, the then ASEAN Secretary-General, attended the reception and delivered remarks. In 2013, the Photo Exhibition on the Review of ASEAN-China Relations was held, attended by Mr. Wang Yi, the then-Chinese Foreign Minister and Mr. Le Luong Minh, the then ASEAN Secretary-General. In 2016, ACC held the Reception Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of ACC, with a congratulatory message from Mr. Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister. In 2018, ACC organised the Reception Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership & in honour of Mr. Chen Dehai as the Secretary-General of ACC, as well as the ASEAN-China Photo Exhibition.
ACC respectively invited the Ambassador of Indonesia to China and the Ambassador of the Lao PDR to China to give lectures on ASEAN-China Relations in Chinese universities.
ACC regularly invites Ambassadors from AMS to China to deliver keynote speeches on ASEAN-China relations at key universities in local Chinese provinces and cities, reviewing the achievements of cooperation and looking ahead to the prospects for the development of relations between the two sides, interacting warmly with students and teachers on the spot, bringing the ties closer and strengthening the vital force of ASEAN-China friendship.
(2) Reinforce Sustainable Development Cooperation
On 12 December 2019, ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai attended the UNFCCC COP25 China Pavilion Side Event “ASEAN-China Regional Cooperation on Climate Change”.
In line with the development needs of ASEAN-China relations, ACC has increased its attention and investment in the field of sustainable development. ACC has successfully promoted policy dialogue and communication, organised and participated in a series of activities including the International Forum for Clean Energy, the ASEAN-China Green Economy and Sustainable Development Cooperation Forum, the China-ASEAN Environment Cooperation Forum, the East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum, the ASEAN-China Cooperation on Energy Transition and Climate-resilient Development, the China Pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the China Forum on International Ecological Competitiveness and so on. At the events, ACC shared experiences and achievements in addressing climate change and promoting energy transition, discussed issues such as renewable energy utilisation and South-South cooperation, and promoted mutual learning and practical cooperation on ecological construction.
Apart from that, ACC promoted professional exchanges, participated in mangrove conservation and restoration projects, supported the establishment of the China-ASEAN Mangrove Conservation Network, participated in the East Asia Summit New Energy Forum, the World Ocean Week in Xiamen, the Qingdao International Maritime Festival, the Report Launch and Webinar on Thailand Carbon Pricing hosted by International Energy Agency, the Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum. In order to expand the social dimension of sustainable development cooperation, promoted cooperation in poverty reduction, ACC implemented the ASEAN+3 (China, Japan and South Korea) Village Leaders Exchange Program, and participated in the ASEAN-China Forum on Social Development, the Poverty Reduction and “Love Know No Borders” International Charity Sale and so on.
(3) Advance Joint Efforts in Fighting against COVID-19 Pandemic and Reopening Economy
On 21 May 2021, ACC co-hosted the Symposium on ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation.
ACC, together with health departments, research institutes and enterprises AMS and China, has actively promoted exchanges in the field of public health, built a platform for cooperation on vaccines and contributed to the region’s response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of economic and social development. ACC promoted dialogue and exchange, organised and attended the Online Conference for Experience Sharing on COVID-19 Response by ASEAN-China University Consortium on Medicine and Health, and the China-ASEAN Public-Private Cooperation Forum on Combating COVID-19 Digitally. ACC not only organised the Exchange on ASEAN-China Vaccine Friend Cooperation to fully discuss topics of great concern to both sides, such as vaccine research & development and production, procurement and certification, and resumption of economic and trade personnel exchanges, and to promote the process of cooperation against the epidemic between the two sides, but also organised the Symposium on ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation to discuss in depth, put forward policy recommendations and achieve consensus on strengthening public health governance, promoting uniform vaccine certification and building a regional disease prevention and control system.
5. Improve Information Service for Exchanges and Cooperation
With information work as its basic function, ACC has been doing a good job to collect, organise, publish, analyze and study information in various fields in an accurate, timely, accessible and innovative manner, so as to provide a solid information guarantee for the sound development of ASEAN-China relations.
(1) Strengthen Construction of Information Platforms
ACC comprehensively built up various information platforms and carriers. While reaching out to the public by using hard-copy reference materials, audio-visual products, outdoor display board, exhibition hall and through exhibition activities in different cities, ACC stays in line with the information age to focus on building new media platforms with the official website as the mainstay and supplemented by social media such as WeChat and Weibo.
In October 2010, the official website of ACC was launched before the establishment of ACC entity, with the leaders of ten AMS and China attending the launching ceremony. The official Weibo and WeChat were launched in October 2011 and April 2013 respectively. The year 2020 witnessed the launch of a new version of the website, with optimized page layout and added columns to make it more user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing. The number of followers, articles published and reposted on the official website, Weibo and WeChat accounts continued to increase. By the end of August 2021, more than 9,300 articles had been published and reposted on Weibo platform, attracting more than 1.69 million followers. A total of 17,437 messages have been sent out on the WeChat account, read 13.47 million times, shared and reposted 1.64 million times.
(2) Consolidate Foundation for Friendly Cooperation Through Information
ACC attaches great importance to content building in an innovative way in its information work, keeping an accurate record of important progress, major events and cooperation in pursuing the development of ASEAN-China relations, creating a friendly and favourable atmosphere, and providing practical reference for promoting exchanges and cooperation. ACC publishes press releases of its daily activities both in English and Chinese on time, updates the information in its official website, compiles the quarterly bilingual the ASEAN-China Centre Newsletter on a regular basis, sets up a display board on the external wall, publishes the Annual Report of the ASEAN-China Centre, and regularly updates and produces brochures and micro videos. Besides, ACC promotes information and stories of people-to-people exchanges about ASEAN-China relations, and has set up website columns including “A Window for ASEAN-China Children’s Cultural Exchanges”, “ASEAN Short Stories and Information of ASEAN Cultural Festivals” and “Joint Efforts to Fight COVID-19”. ACC also participated in the production of a documentary on culture and tourism, collected and reposted information on involving high-level interactions, various fields and directions and other exchanges and cooperation in the region.
In order to provide accurate, comprehensive, detailed and authoritative practical information and data analysis for institutions on both sides and the public, ACC compiled the annual ASEAN & China in Figures, organised the compilation and publication of the ASEAN Investment Guidebook, ASEAN-China Observation, ASEAN Countries Import Guidebook, ASEAN Education Guidebook, ASEAN Countries Education System and Current Situation, ASEAN Students' Guidebook to Studying in Beijing, ASEAN and China Directory of Major International Arts Festivals, the Pamphlets on ASEAN Culture Information, ASEAN Tourism Itinerary Guide, 2019 ASEAN Tourism Briefing, ASEAN Tourism Overview and other professional reference guides.
(3) Carry out In-depth Basic Researches
ACC has always been following the development of regional situation, conducted research and analysis on the overall ASEAN-China relations, and the exchanges and cooperation in specific fields such as trade and economy, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, students studying abroad and media, and published research outcomes in media. So far ACC completed independent research articles, part of which includes 25 Years of ASEAN-China Dialogue and Cooperation: Facts and Figures (1991-2016) , Linking Connectivity-Perspectives and Analysis of the ASEAN-China Centre, Overview of ASEAN-China Relations (2020), Overview of ASEAN-China Media Cooperation, ASEAN and China Jointly Promote Climate Change Response and Ecological Cooperation, ASEAN and China Sharing Opportunities in Digital Economy Cooperation, ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Enters a New Stage of Development, ASEAN and China Continue to Maintain Cooperation Momentum under the New Epidemic, Huge Scope for ASEAN-China to Build Green “Belt and Road”, Hand in Hand & Win-Win Cooperation-China-ASEAN Enters Year of Cooperation on Sustainable Development, RCEP Will Boost ASEAN-China Cooperation to a New Level, Using Literature as a Medium to Help ASEAN-China Relations Develop Further, Solidly Promoting Regional Cooperation to Create a Better Tomorrow for Asia.
The ASEAN-China Centre is standing at a new historical starting point facing fresh development opportunities after going through ten years of thick and thin. ACC will stay true to its founding mission and make persistent efforts, join hands with friends from all sectors to consolidate the partnership network, explore new paths for regional integration, boost friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and make new contributions to the development of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
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