In September 2023, both ASEAN and Chinese leaders announced in Jakarta the year 2024 as the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges, in a spirit of building stronger people-to-people connectivity, facilitating cross-border travels, promoting mutual learning among civilizations in the region, and enhancing ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership in the long run.

Secretary-General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre said through robust cultural and people-to-people exchanges, we could promote better interactions and integration of diversified cultures of ASEAN Member States and China, thus making the garden of Asian civilizations more colorful and vibrant.

Against the backdrop of complex changes and uncertainties in the international landscape, ASEAN and China should further strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation to inject more positive energy into regional peace, stability and development. We have every reason to believe that the events in 2024 will definitely bring ASEAN-China people-to-people exchanges to new heights, and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, thus contributing to the sound and sustained development of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.