Fuzhou, East China, witnessed the unfolding of the first ASEAN-China Week 2023 on Friday, just two days before ASEAN Day 2023, marking the organization’s 56th birthday. The event exemplifies the growing importance of solidarity, cooperation, and future commitment between China and the ASEAN nations.
Hosting and Participants
Co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Center (ACC) and the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial Government, in conjunction with Fuzhou Municipal Government, the event brought together over 300 key attendees. Among them were senior government officials, diplomatic envoys, entrepreneurs, and think tank experts from both ASEAN and China.
Themed Forum: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
During the main themed forum titled “Forward-looking ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the New Era,” delegates from both China and ASEAN countries underscored the significance of regional peace and stability.
Trade and Investment Cooperation
An ASEAN-China (Fujian) Forum on Trade and Investment Cooperation was held on Sunday. During this event, three public service platforms under the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative were unveiled. Additionally, strategic cooperation framework agreements for nine projects under “Two Countries, Twin Parks” were signed, highlighting the collaboration’s progress.
Cultural Interactions
Various cultural sessions such as a gourmet carnival, ASEAN film week, and an ASEAN-China symphony concert contributed to the opening day’s festivities. The Shangri-La Hotel in Fuzhou offered food from ASEAN countries and China, most of which were enjoyed with chopsticks instead of knives and forks. Films from ASEAN nations were also showcased on a massive screen, enhancing the cultural exchange.
ASEAN’s Success in Peace and Stability
Amid international complexities, ASEAN has maintained regional peace and stability and sustained growth. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center, praised ASEAN in his opening speech, calling it one of the world’s most dynamic regions, leading the post-pandemic recovery. He attributed ASEAN’s success to its choice of progress, cooperation, openness, and adherence to solidarity and independence.
Key Anniversaries
2023 marks significant milestones in the relationship between China and ASEAN:
- 20th Anniversary: China’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
- 10th Anniversary: China’s initiative to work with ASEAN countries for a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and for a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
These anniversaries signify the depth and development of the relationship.
Ambassador’s Views on Cultural Exchange
Thailand’s Ambassador to China, Arthayudh Srisamoot, emphasized the role of ASEAN-China Week in fostering understanding about ASEAN culture. He mentioned that Chinese citizens would gain knowledge about ASEAN products and cultures, enhancing mutual awareness.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The year 2023 also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ambassador Srisamoot acclaimed the initiative’s role in fostering connectivity, emphasizing the ideal environment it has created for cooperation in various fields, including culture and youth exchanges between neighboring nations.
The Importance of Multidimensional Relations
Ong Tee Keat, senior fellow with the Taihe Institute and chairman of the Malaysia-based think tank, the Center for New Inclusive Asia, expressed that the upgrading of the relationship between China and ASEAN necessitates the development of all-round and multidimensional relations. He stressed the importance of non-political sessions in breaking down barriers between the people to eliminate misunderstanding.
Ong, a seasoned political figure in Malaysia, emphasized “Track II diplomacy” as crucial for China to deepen ties with ASEAN.
Forthcoming Events
ASEAN-China Week precedes other significant China-ASEAN exchanges in the second half of 2023, such as:
- The 2023 ASEAN-China Summit scheduled for September.
- The 20th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.
- The APEC Summit in November, with participation from ASEAN nations and China.
These events mark continuous efforts to foster collaboration.
Philippines’ Special Envoy’s View
Benito Gosiaco Techico, the special envoy of the Philippines president to China, expressed positive prospects for more investment collaboration, particularly in fields like agriculture, information technology, tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
ASEAN as China’s Largest Trading Partner
ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for three consecutive years. In the first half of 2023, trade with ASEAN countries accounted for 15.3 percent of China’s total trade, reaching 3.08 trillion yuan ($428.96 billion), up 5.4 percent from 2022. This data reflects the growing economic interdependence between the two entities.
Conclusion
The inaugural ASEAN-China Week 2023 marks a symbolic commitment to deeper and stronger ties between China and ASEAN. From reaffirming regional peace and stability to celebrating cultural exchanges and trade partnerships, the event sets the stage for continuous collaboration and mutual understanding, paving the way for an even more prosperous future.
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