On 6 April 2017, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) held the 8th Lecture Series by ASEAN and Chinese Ambassadors in Xining. H.E. Mr. Soegeng Rahardjo, Indonesian Ambassador to China, accompanied by H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, visited Qinghai University, and delivered a lecture themed with Indonesia, ASEAN and China: A Strategic Cooperation for Regional Peace and Stability. Mme. Ma Naixin, Deputy Director of Qinghai Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Chen Gang, Executive Vice President of Qinghai University, representatives from Qinghai Provincial Education Department, and about 200 students and faculties from Qinghai University, Qinghai Normal University, and Qinghai Nationalities University attended the event.
Mr. Ren Yanming, Vice President of Qinghai University hosted the lecture, at the beginning of which, He cited that Qinghai University attaches great importance to foreign exchanges, and looks forward to exploring the contacts with universities in ASEAN Member States. He believed that this event could enhance the understanding of Indonesia and ASEAN by the students of universities in Qinghai, and create new opportunities for strengthening the cooperation with Indonesia and other ASEAN Member States.
Secretary-General Yang spoke highly of achievements of relations between China and ASEAN, and China and Indonesia, and briefed the efforts ACC have done for facilitating the practical cooperation between both sides. She expressed that, the Lecture Series held by ACC is aimed at enhancing the understanding and awareness of people of all walks of life especially the students on ASEAN and the relation of China and ASEAN, and pushing forward the practical cooperation between ASEAN Member States and relevant Chinese provinces and cities, and strengthening the friendships between the peoples of both sides. She encouraged the students to cherish the valuable opportunity of learning, and shoulder the historical responsibilities with beliefs, virtues, knowledge and skills to be the backbones of the nation, envoys of bilateral relations, so as to carry forward the friendship between both sides.
Ambassador Soegeng introduced to the audience the history, culture, tradition, and socio-economic development of Indonesia, reviewed the time-honoured history of exchanges between Indonesia and China, and the fruitful achievements of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He opined that Indonesia, as a maritime fulcrum of interconnectivity, was an integral part of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. During the state visit to Indonesia in 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the idea of countries working together to develop a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This initiative is highly echoed with the strategy of Global Maritime Fulcrum proposed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. This convergence of visions provides opportunities for cooperation not only in maritime transportation, but also infrastructure development, energy, and manufacturing. Indonesia wants to see China's economic growth empowering the region, spreading prosperity and goodwill across the region. In addition, Indonesia is encouraging this by engaging China not only through bilateral means, but also in regional forums, particularly the ASEAN-China dialogue partnership. On the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual respect, Indonesia is keen to enhance the partnership with China so as to achieve synergetic development.
Ambassador Soegeng also said that, as celebrating its 50th anniversary in this year, ASEAN is actively pushing forward the community building, and it has become one of the world’s leading regional organizations playing significant roles of constructing the regional architecture, and promoting the prosperity and stability in Asia-Pacific. China was the first non-ASEAN country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and to build the strategic partnership with ASEAN. During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, when most countries stayed away from the troubles faced by ASEAN member states, it was China that lent a hand, providing financial assistance to many stricken countries, including Indonesia. ASEAN puts priority on the relation enhancement with China, and continuously deepens the cooperation with China in trade, education, culture and tourism, etc., all of which bring substantial benefits to all peoples in ASEAN Member States and China. This year marks the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation, which would offer new opportunities for strengthening mutual civil exchanges and improving reciprocity. Under new circumstances, the peoples of China and ASEAN especially the young generation should further enhance exchanges, experience-sharing, and mutual learning, so as to promote the enduring and in-depth development of the bilateral relations.
Ambassador Soegeng and Secretary-General Yang also answered the questions about potentials and prospects of education and research cooperation between Qinghai and ASEAN Member States, Indonesian education system, Indonesian policy for international students, and talent demands of ASEAN Member States. The atmosphere was warm and active.
After the lecture, accompanied by the leadership of the university, Ambassador Soegeng and Secretary-General Yang visited the exhibition of Qinghai University’s history and development, and exchanged views on inter-university cooperation with Indonesia and other ASEAN Member States.