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On 11 July 2018, the 2nd ASEAN-China Youth Summer Camp (ACYSC), hosted by ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), opened in Beijing. More than 50 participants including H.E. Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ACC, H.E. Mr. U Thit Linn Ohn, Ambassador of Myanmar to China and representatives of 10 Embassies of ASEAN Member States in Beijing as well as young students from ASEAN countries, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) attended the opening ceremony.

Secretary-General Chen Dehai welcomed all the young students to China to participate in the 2nd ACYSC. He stated that 2018 is the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic partnership. It is also designated as the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation. ASEAN-China relations have entered a crucial stage of building on past achievements and pursuing new progress, facing new opportunities and broad prospects. Youth is the pillar of a country and the hope of the future, providing strong impetus to the continued development of ASEAN-China relations.

To further strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the students will be of great significance for future development and prosperity of the region. He wished the visit in Beijing and Chengdu would enable all the young campers to gain a deeper understanding of China’s economic and social development, experience the colourful culture of China, gain profound friendship, and be envoys of promoting friendly exchanges between ASEAN, China, and Asia as a whole, to make positive contributions to the brighter future of ASEAN-China relations. H.E. U Thit Linn Ohn pointed out that young generations are playing a vital role for the future world. Strengthening mutual understanding among youths will benefit regional cooperation.

He thanked ACC for organizing such a meaningful event by providing a platform of exchange and cooperation for young students of ASEAN, China and the ROK. He urged the students to foster closer ties to contribute new ideas and strengths to further promoting ASEAN-China cooperation. Camper representatives from Singapore, China and the ROK delivered remarks respectively. They appreciated ACC for providing an opportunity of understanding China and Chinese culture, mutual exchanges and learning, and making friends with each other. They expected to gain more knowledge and make more friends in the next seven-day summer camp, to be active promoters of ASEAN-China cooperation and enthusiastic communicators of friendly relationship.

?At the opening ceremony, Secretary-General Chen Dehai presented the flag of summer camp. After that, all the campers visited ACC’s Exhibition Hall, getting better understanding of the development of ASEAN-China relations as well as ACC’s function and work.

The summer camp, which lasts until 16 July, will conduct a series of colourful activities including Chinese culture courses, traditional art performance and historic site visits.