On 25 October 2023, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) co-hosted the 2023 Decoding Chinese Path to Modernization Workshop Series-- Government Public Relations Seminar with the Communication University of China (CUC) and the Publicity Department of CPC Quzhou Municipal Committee. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC and President Zhang Shuting of the CUC attended the seminar and addressed the opening ceremony. Over 80 participants, including diplomats from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in China, experts and scholars, media journalists, and faculty members and students of CUC from both AMS and China were present. 

SG Shi Zhongjun stated in his remarks that exchanges and mutual learning on governance between ASEAN and China are of great significance for the two sides to promote national development and enhance people’s well-being. He hoped that by jointly discussing new tasks and challenges for governments in dealing with public relations, participants would pool their wisdom, learn from each other and promote fresh progress in ASEAN-China all round cooperation.

President Zhang Shuting of the CUC said that Chinese path to modernization is a focus of global media attention, providing experience that many developing countries may draw from. He hoped that the seminar and field trip would provide opportunities for AMS to have in-depth understanding of China, including the cultural, historical, social and political values behind China’s continuous development.

During the seminar, diplomats from AMS Embassies in China had discussion with the keynote speakers on such topics as new type of urbanization and urban renewal, grassroots governance and media communication. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

Before the seminar, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun met with President Zhang Shuting of CUC, exchanging views on strengthening cooperation between the ACC and CUC. Participants to the seminar visited the Central Gift and Artifacts Center and the Media Museum, and will conduct a familiarization trip to Quzhou, Zhejiang Province.