On 10 November 2023, H.E. U Tin Maung Swe, Ambassador of Myanmar to China, held the “Lecture Series on ASEAN-China Relations” at Wuhan University (WHU) upon the invitation of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC). He gave a comprehensive introduction of Myanmar, including its geo-location, culture and history. The Ambassador briefed the students on the evolution of Myanmar-China “Pauk Phaw” relations and the achievements of bilateral cooperation in political and security, economic and trade, education and culture areas. He particularly announced that Myanmar has issued Visa on Arrival for Chinese citizens since last September and reassured that Myanmar is safe to travel. When asked to comment on the recent film “No More Bets”, the Ambassador introduced concrete measures Myanmar has implemented to combat telecom-fraud and pointed out that the Myanmar government is committed to further intensifying the crackdown on such illegal activities to safeguard the safety of people’s lives and property.

Vice President Tang Qizhu of WHU warmly welcomed Ambassador U Tin Maung Swe and Secretary General Shi Zhongjun. He said that WHU has actively engaged in joint training and research cooperation with universities of ASEAN Member States (AMS), and trained over 2,200 graduates from AMS including 60 from Myanmar. The WHU is willing to cooperate with the ACC and the Myanmar Embassy to make new contributions to ASEAN-China people-to-people exchanges.

H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC accompanied the Ambassador for the event, and praised, in his remarks, the bilateral relations between Myanmar and China. He encouraged students to actively engage in the friendly exchanges between ASEAN and China, adding fresh impetus into the growth of Myanmar-China and ASEAN-China relations.

More than 100 faculty members and students, including over 30 students from Myanmar studying in Wuhan, attended and gave a big applause to the lecture. As the ACC’s flagship programme, “Lecture Series on ASEAN-China Relations” is aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between ASEAN and China. Since its inception in 2013, a total of 20 lectures have been held in a number of prestigious universities across China.