Kuala Lumpur, April 12 (Xinhua) — China ASEAN promotes mutual learning of civilizations and sets a model for global southern cooperation
From the sail shadows of the ancient Maritime Silk Road to the current hot screening of Nezha 2 in Southeast Asia, at the China ASEAN Media Think Tank High end Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 11th, representatives from China and ASEAN countries reviewed the development of cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN, calling for deepening cooperation and enhancing understanding through mutual learning of civilizations, and establishing a model of global southern cooperation.
The exchange and mutual learning of civilizations between China and ASEAN have a profound historical foundation. China and ASEAN countries are geographically close, have close social and cultural ties, and the history of their exchanges is itself a cultural epic that embodies Eastern wisdom and Asian values. The ancient fleets that traveled between China and Southeast Asia had already tightly linked the threads of civilization, leaving behind the legend of Zheng He’s voyages to the West and also recording the stories of integration and shared destiny in the history of world communication. The deep and frequent exchanges between the two sides have strengthened the emotional bond between China and ASEAN countries, cultivating a deep soil of mutual trust.
The exchange and mutual learning of civilizations between China and ASEAN are important pillars of bilateral relations. In the “Kuala Lumpur Consensus” released at the forum, participants unanimously agreed that civilizations are colorful through exchanges and develop through mutual learning. Cultural exchanges and dialogue among civilizations have become important pillars for strengthening China ASEAN relations. The rich and colorful cultural exchanges have converged into a new era force of Eastern civilization and Asian wisdom. The China ASEAN Cultural Forum, Women’s Forum, Media Cooperation Forum, Audiovisual Week and other activities are exciting, and measures such as “mutual visa exemption” and “Lancang Mekong visa” promote the idea of “friends getting closer, neighbors getting closer”.
The exchange and mutual learning of civilizations between China and ASEAN complement each other in building an open and inclusive regional cooperation pattern. China and ASEAN have diverse ethnic cultures and religions, and diversity and inclusiveness are the common genes of both sides. Both sides draw wisdom from East Asian civilization, lead regional economic integration with an open concept, promote ASEAN led regional cooperation through equal consultation, build an open rather than exclusive circle of friends with an inclusive attitude, and implement the principle of consultation, co construction, and sharing. The report “RCEP and Maritime Silk Road Vision: New Space for China ASEAN Cooperation” released by the National High end Think Tank of Xinhua News Agency at this forum vividly demonstrates the fruitful achievements of cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the high-quality construction of the Maritime Silk Road under the strong promotion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Bonn Nagara, a director and senior researcher of the Malaysian Asia Pacific “the Belt and Road” Joint Policy Committee, said that the global South has a profound historical and cultural heritage. As developing countries and members of the global South, China and ASEAN countries should especially focus on exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations to empower development.
China and ASEAN jointly promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning, which not only meets the development needs of both sides, but also has great potential to lead “South South cooperation” at the global level. Malaysian National News Agency Chairman Wong Chun wai believes that under the current situation, ASEAN and China need to strengthen cultural exchanges more than ever before, and set an example for countries in the global South. This not only helps to highlight the important contributions of both sides in cultural, historical, and other fields, but also promotes mutual understanding and cooperation.
As an important force in the global South, the relationship between China and ASEAN has surpassed the bilateral scope in recent years, giving rise to profound Asian significance and global influence. Both sides play a key role in promoting regional cooperation, promoting common prosperity, maintaining regional stability, and enhancing the status of the global South. For a long time, China and ASEAN have adhered to sincere treatment, mutual assistance, mutual benefit, coordination and inclusiveness, and have embarked on a long-term path of good neighborly friendship, common development and prosperity. There is reason to believe that both sides can use cultural exchanges and mutual learning as a bridge, consolidate the foundation of people to people exchanges, build a common home of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship, and play a leading role in global southern cooperation.