Beijing, China – The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Beijing, China welcomed a delegation of Chinese and other foreign university students participating in the 6th China-ASEAN Youth Symposium (CAYS) at its chancery on 18 May 2023.

Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz addressed the students in a video message, underlining the event’s contributions to facilitating learning and mutual understanding between ASEAN and China. Further, Minister and Consul General Dinno M. Oblena gave an overview of ASEAN, its principles, processes and role in the region’s stability, growth and development.

Meanwhile, participating students shared their thoughts about ASEAN’s unique characteristics, especially the spirit of ‘ASEAN Way’ in spite of the region’s diversity. Afterwards, they resumed networking and exchanging ideas about the region with one another over refreshments.

The students hailed from different countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Most of them are enrolled in various universities across China, including Tsinghua University and Peking University (PKU). A number of students came from overseas with the sole purpose of joining CAYS.

CAYS is an annual program for Chinese and ASEAN students with the goal of deepening their understanding of ASEAN and ASEAN-China relations through lectures, engagements with government officials and ASEAN-China conference simulation exercises. It is organized by students of PKU Institute of Area Studies in Beijing, China. This year’s edition ran from 18 to 21 May 2023.

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