Fourth ASEAN-China Youth Forum opens with focus on people-to-people exchange

People’s Daily Online (Sanya) -- Young people from China and ASEAN countries have been urged to increase mutual understanding and contribute to further development of China-ASEAN relations at a forum held Friday in the city of Sanya, south China’s Hainan province.

Wang Changren, Party Secretary of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, delivers a speech at the forum. (Photo provided by Hainan Tropical Ocean University)

“The ASEAN-China Youth Forum is an important platform for promoting exchanges between China and ASEAN countries, especially between the youth. Through this event, Chinese and ASEAN youths will further enhance understanding, promote consensus to shoulder the mission of promoting the integrated development of all countries,” said Wang Changren, Party Secretary of Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Center, said that ASEAN and China are good neighbors, friends and partners. Since the launch of ASEAN-China dialogue relations in 1991 and the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2003, the mutual trust and affinity between the two sides has deepened, while cooperation in trade, economy and other various fields has yielded fruitful results and benefited more people.

Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Center, delivers a speech at the forum. (Photo provided by Hainan Tropical Ocean University)

“In this context, it is of great importance to bridge the younger generation of ASEAN and China, and engage you in constructive dialogue mechanisms to deepen exchanges and mutual learning. The forum will not only enrich your understanding of ASEAN-China relations, but also provide a wonderful opportunity to forge friendship, deepen mutual trust, and jointly explore ways to address challenges and grasp opportunities to build a better future for our region and our people,” Chen said.

During the forum, the participants will deliver presentations and discuss a variety of topics, including economic cooperation, technology and innovation, humanity and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN, among others.

The Fourth ASEAN-China Youth Forum is hosted by ASEAN-China Center, organized by Hainan Tropical Ocean University with support from Hainan Education Department. (Photo provided by Hainan Tropical Ocean University)

With the theme “New Era, New Youth, New Development”, the Fourth ASEAN-China Youth Forum is hosted by ASEAN-China Center, organized by Hainan Tropical Ocean University with support from Hainan Education Department. About 160 academics, government officials, diplomats and students from ASEAN countries who are studying in China are expected to attend the forum.