ASEAN-China roundtable inspires youth to advance shared marine development

The ASEAN-China Youth Roundtable on Marine Cooperation was held on Nov 17 at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Center.

As a key event of the 2025 ASEAN-China Week, the roundtable brought together young experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and international students from China and ASEAN member countries.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary general of the ASEAN-China Centre, noted that China and ASEAN have been bound together by the sea throughout history. Describing youth as future leaders, he expressed the hope that the roundtable would encourage broader youth participation in advancing shared marine development.

H. E. Chuon Chivin, secretary of the State of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, said that Cambodia supports the Global Security Initiative and is ready to work with China and ASEAN partners to build a high-quality community with a shared future for the sea.

The thematic session brought together perspectives from government agencies, universities and research institutions, cultural enterprises, and youth representatives.

They shared forward-looking insights and practical experience on topics such as marine conservation, technological development, international cooperation, and public engagement, ranging from macro-level strategies for island ecology and the blue economy to practical initiatives in marine science, industrial innovation, and digital cultural experiences.