The 9th ASEAN-China Young Leaders Exchange Festival, co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-ASEAN Association, took place in Hubei Province from July 3 to 7.

This event, themed “Together for a Better Home”, brought together more than 100 youngsters from ASEAN countries and local universities. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Yang Yunyan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress, and Raul Lambino, Chairman of the Association of Philippines-China Understanding, addressed the closing ceremony.

Closing Ceremony and Gala Dinner

Vice President Yuan Mindao addresses the closing ceremony.

Vice President Yuan Mindao said that China and ASEAN countries are close neighbors, naturally forming a community with a shared future in which everyone’s interest is closely interlinked. The youth are the future of their home countries and the future of China-ASEAN friendship. He expressed his hope that young people should draw wisdom and strength from the cultures and histories of both sides, learn from each other, and protect the shared “Asian homeland”.

Vice Chairman Yang speaks at the closing ceremony.

Vice Chairman Yang Yunyan said the exchange festival has promoted the friendly cooperation between Hubei and ASEAN countries and enhanced the friendship among the youth. He expressed his hope that more young people should play an active role in China-ASEAN friendly exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and uphold the principles of peaceful coexistence.

Chairman Raul Lambino addresses the closing ceremony.

Chairman Raul Lambino noted that the power of the youth lies in their ability to think beyond borders, challenge conventional wisdom, and envision a world that is more inclusive, sustainable, and just. He believed that this year’s activities are a testament to the power of the young people to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships, foster understanding, and drive for positive change in our community of nations.

Director-General Zhang Xiaomei speaks at the opening ceremony.

Director-General Zhang Xiaomei of Hubei FAO pointed out that the cooperation between Hubei and ASEAN countries is based on a strong foundation, as the province was the first in China to sign a memorandum of cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat. She said this event will herald the full resumption of travel in the post-Covid era and inject new vitality into people-to-people and cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and trade between the two sides.

ASEAN students visit Yichang and Wuhan.

During this five-day trip, young delegates from ASEAN countries visited many places including the China Qingjiang River Sturgeon Valley, the Three Gorges Dam, the Yellow Crane Tower, the East Lake Greenway, the Yangtze River cruise and the Wuhan University. This fulfilling journey offered them a great opportunity to get close to China’s history and culture, enhance mutual trust and friendship, and embrace the vision of building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

ASEAN students dressed in their traditional costumes