On 23 July, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) hosted Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of ASEAN at the ACC during his official visit to Beijing. Chinese Ambassador Hou Yanqi to ASEAN attended the meeting.

SG Shi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Kao and expressed sincere appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat for its steadfast and enduring support. Reflecting on the achievements the ACC accomplished in 2024, SG Shi outlined the key priorities of the ACC for 2025 and beyond. With the 5th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the 15th Anniversary of the founding of the ACC in 2026, SG Shi reaffirmed the ACC’s commitments in promoting ASEAN-China relations, strengthening economic ties and fostering people-to people exchanges between the two sides, thereby contributing to the robust and sustainable development of ASEAN-China relationship. 

Dr. Kao commended the ACC for is instrumental role in enhancing mutual understanding and expanding practical collaboration between ASEAN and China, particularly through flagship initiatives such as the annual ASEAN-China Week, which has significantly elevated the visibility of ASEAN-China relations. He highlighted the priorities of ASEAN-China cooperation, such as tourism, agriculture and food security, trade and investment, digital economy, encouraging the ACC to redouble its efforts in these areas to yield more fruitful outcomes. Looking ahead, Dr. Kao expressed his hope that the ACC would take on greater responsibilities, expand into new areas of cooperation, actively participate into ASEAN mechanism activities to broaden its influence, and play an impactful role in commemorating the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Ambassador Hou spoke highly of the ACC’s dedication and reiterated the full support of the Chinese Mission to ASEAN for the ACC’s work, and the commitment to the closer collaboration in the future.