Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center Shi Zhongjun pointed out that youth exchange and tourism deserve special focus in developing sustainable people-to-people ties between China and ASEAN.
In an interview with China Global Television Network, Shi reiterated the 12 key areas - education, youth, tourism, culture, sports, sustainable development, think tanks, and media as specified in the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges, signed by both sides in October last year.
"Both sides should strengthen exchanges and collaboration across 12 key areas, including education, youth, tourism, culture, sports, sustainable development, think tanks and media. Among these areas, two deserve special focus in my opinion -- youth exchange and tourism cooperation, both of which are vital for sustaining long-term people-to-people ties between China and ASEAN," Shi said.
"For enhancing youth exchanges, we should create more opportunities for interaction between the younger generations of China and ASEAN. Initiatives, such as student exchange programs, I mean, a two-way exchange, high education partnerships, vocational training collaboration, and youth-oriented exchange projects, can significantly deepen mutual understanding and trust. For boosting tourism cooperation, we should introduce more measures to facilitate tourism and make it more convenient for people from China and ASEAN countries to travel frequently, like the visa exemption, like the payment. In these areas, we still have rooms to improve. We should develop joint culture, tourism routes, and branded projects that highlight our shared culture, heritage, and mutual appreciation of civilization and that foster friendship and familiarity between our people," he said.
He also emphasized the use of new tools such as new media, digital platforms, and the Internet to push for effective communication between ASEAN and China.
"Last but not least, we should leverage the power of communication alongside physical contact. Effective communication is essential for fostering mutual understanding between ASEAN and China. In today's world, globalization has entered a new era, with digital technology building a new bridge for people-to-people exchanges. We should make full use of new media, digital platforms, and advanced technology available in the region and our respective countries, exploring new forms of Internet plus people-to-people exchange communication," said the secretary general.
Official stresses youth exchange, tourism for sustainable ties
