ACC Sponsors the 2nd ASEAN-China Online Influencers Conference

From 18 to 21 May 2023, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) co-sponsored the 2rd ASEAN-China Online Influencers Conference and the Fuzhou Tour with the China Public Diplomacy Association, Global Times Online, Fujian Provincial and Fuzhou Municipal Government. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC attended the event. Upon the ACC’s invitation, H.E. Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun of Indonesia to China, H.E. Ambassador Arthayudh Srisamoot of Thailand to China, Consul General Nelson Ng Chiun Ming of Singapore to Xiamen, Minister Counsellor Soparama Nhek of the Royal Cambodian Embassy in China, as well as representatives from the Embassies of Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Lao PDR in China as well as Indonesian and Vietnamese media attended the event. More than 200 government officials, journalists and online influencers from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China participated in the event.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated in his speech that ASEAN and Chinese online influencers are playing an important and unique role in promoting mutual understanding and practical cooperation between the two sides. He hoped that online influencers from both sides would strengthen their exchanges and cooperation, promote cultural mutual learning, nurture more favourable public opinion for ASEAN-China friendship and cooperation, and make a stronger ASEAN-China voice for peace and development to a larger audience.

Dignitaries including Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador Arthayudh Srisamoot, H.E. Vice President Qiu Xiaoqi of China Public Diplomacy Association, and H.E. Ambassador Hou Yanqi of China to ASEAN, delivered remarks at the conference. They commended the positive role played by online influencers and called for more effective efforts by them to tell the stories of ASEAN-China friendship and cooperation and showcase the outcomes of mutually beneficial collaboration, so as to inject more positive energy and new vitality into ASEAN-China relations, and promote vigorous development of cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and digital economy.

In the themed discussion session, AMS diplomatic envoys and online influencers from ASEAN and China had in-depth exchange of views under three major topics of "Decade of Prosperity", "Envoys of Cultural Exchanges" and "Shared Opportunities in the Digital Era".

On the sidelines the event, Executive Vice Governor Guo Ningning of Fujian Province met with foreign guests who attended the event. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun also gave interviews to local media.

Fuzhou Tour activities brought the AMS diplomatic envoys, ASEAN and Chinese media journalists, and online influencers to Yuanhong Investment Zone and NetDragon Websoft Holdings. They also visited cultural landmarks such as Shangxia Hang, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Lacquer Art Museum, and Fujian Cuisine Cultural Museum.

During the event, all participants gathered together to review the history of ASEAN-China friendly cooperation and explore future opportunities to leverage the Internet platform and bridging role played by online influencers for enhancing heart-to-heart communication and economic cooperation. They also deepened mutual understanding and friendship between themselves. The event has garnered significant media attention and public interest from AMS and China, with the online live streaming exceeding 14 million views.