On 27 February 2024, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was invited to attend the 10th Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) sponsored by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) at Nanning University in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Vice Minister Sun Weidong of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (via online remarks), Secretary Wang Naixue of the CPC Committee of Guangxi University, Secretary General Lee Hee-sup of the TCS, Secretary General Hirabayashi Kunikiko of ASEAN-Japan Centre and other distinguished guests were present, together with the university students from ASEAN Member States (AMS), China, Japan and Republic of Korea. 

In the session of Ambassadors Dialogue, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun shared with the youth audience his views on current changes in the international geopolitical landscape, highlighted the significance of strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms in meeting daunting challenges. He also called for frequent exchanges and substantive cooperation among the youth communities of regional countries, so as to better contribute to lasting peace, stability and prosperity in East Asia and the world at large. He provided recommendations to the young audience in such aspects as enhancing cross-cultural appreciation, nurturing critical thinking and building win-win teamwork.

This is the first time for YAP to be held in China and extended with the participation from AMS. The program was conducted to commemorate the 25th anniversary of China-Japan-ROK cooperation and fully implement the consensus among the leadership of the three countries to promote “CJK+X” cooperation.

During his stay in Nanning, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun also made field visits to both Guangxi University and Guangxi Minzu University, where he held talks with Secretary Wang Naixue and President Xie Shangguo. Both sides exchanges views on the greater roles to be played by higher education institutes of Guangxi in further advancing quality cooperation on education between AMS and China. 

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun also gave an interview to China News Service, China Youth Daily and Guangxi Radio and Television to expound upon the ACC’s efforts and future plans on promoting mutual understanding and substantive exchanges among the young people of both AMS and China.