China, ASEAN boost cultural exchanges, cooperation

The 15th China-ASEAN Cultural Forum took place in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Dec 8, gathering representatives from cultural departments from China and ASEAN countries both in online and offline venues.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the event was themed around the protection, inheritance, as well as tourism development of cultural heritages. 

"ASEAN is the most dynamic area under the Belt and Road Initiative. China and ASEAN countries will enjoy broad development opportunities, with huge potential in the exchanges and cooperation of culture and tourism. China is willing to team with ASEAN countries to strengthen cooperation in areas spanning archaeological excavations, research on cultural relic protection, and the digitization of cultural heritage," said Zhang Xu, deputy director of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona noted that Cambodia and China have a cultural exchange history of more than 2,000 years, adding that China has offered great support and assistance to Cambodia in the protection, promotion, and popularization of its intangible cultural heritages.

Sackona added that more bilateral cultural communications will be carried out in the future.

Chen Dehai, secretary general of the ASEAN-China Center, said that promoting the experience achieved by China and ASEAN countries in the protection and inheritance of cultural heritages has been significant in further boosting the mutual prosperity of the cultural industries in both China and ASEAN.