On 31 August 2012, Secretary-General Ma Mingqiang attended and delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of 2012 ASEAN Plus Three Training Program on Understanding China. 

In his speech, Mr. Ma recalled the dramatic development of ASEAN-China relations since the two sides established dialogue mechanism in 1991, with the establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre in 2011 as a new milestone. He encouraged the young officials from ASEAN member countries to learn more about China during the month-long Training Program, and make personal contribution to the further development of ASEAN-China relations. 

This year's Training Program enrolled young officials from the governments of 7 ASEAN member countries. On 7 September, they visited ACC. Officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affaris were also present and gave presentations on the themes of ASEAN-China Cooperation and ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation.