ACC Secretary-General Interacted with Teachers and Students of Jilin University

On 17 June 2016, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) had an interaction with the teachers and students of the School of International and Public Affairs of Jilin University. Dr. Liu Debin, Associate Vice President and Dean of the International and Public Affairs, Dr. Wang Qiubin, Deputy Dean of the International and Public Affairs, and nearly 100 teachers and students were present. 

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping briefed on ACC’s role and its efforts to boost ASEAN-China functional cooperation, especially the ASEAN-China Week in celebration of the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations. She said that youth were full of vigour and creativity and shouldering the important task of the future development of their countries. They were also integral parts in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between countries. ACC would take the opportunity of the ASEAN-China Educational Exchange Year to establish more platforms to promote educational exchange and cooperation, to increase communication between the young students, and to encourage them to become active participants and promoters of ASEAN-China friendly relations.

The teachers and students enthusiastically raised questions on public diplomacy, ASEAN-China relations, China’s neighboring diplomacy, ASEAN Community building, ASEAN’s foreign policy, East Asia cooperation, One Belt and One Road, capacity building of diplomats, etc.. Secretary-General praised the students for their concern and support to ASEAN-China relations. She patiently and carefully answered the questions by citing relevant cases and her diplomatic career. She said that public diplomacy should start with understanding the actual condition of the country and the people, and use understandable language in communication to make more friends. She encouraged the students to cherish the opportunity to study and lay solid foundations for future development so as to make greater contributions to the country and society. 

The teachers and students thanked Secretary-General Yang’s elucidation. They expressed their willingness to follow and support ACC’s work, and to make more friends with ASEAN students for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding and friendship.