Students give their performance during the first Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei ASEAN International Students "My Story with China" Chinese Story Short Video General Display at the Tianjin Normal University on January 6, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Tianjin Normal University

The first Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei ASEAN International Students "My Story with China" Chinese Story Short Video General Display commenced at Tianjin Normal University on Saturday with government officials and foreign diplomats underscoring the enduring history of engagement between China and ASEAN nations. 

They also emphasized that the stories of youth serve as a valuable cornerstone for a more promising future, nurturing cultural ties and advancing a stronger China-ASEAN community.

The eight-month-long event drew enthusiastic participation from more than 3,000 students and teachers of 62 organizations, resulting in 306 short video submissions. 

The annual event aims to strengthen personnel exchanges between Chinese and ASEAN youths, Zhong Yinghua, chair of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching, told the Global Times.

Zhong noted that the event showcased vibrant stories of ASEAN students experiencing China's modernization firsthand, portraying diverse narratives through short videos.

During the event, the ASEAN-China Educational Exchange and Cooperation Base as well as Tianjin International Chinese Language Education Development Center were inaugurated. The year 2024 also marks the start of the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ma Jianfei, director-general of the Center for Language Exchange and Cooperation at the Ministry of Education, stressed the importance of ­China-ASEAN relations and the significant role of youth in promoting cultural exchange. He encouraged collaboration to support more ASEAN youths in sharing their stories while learning Chinese.

Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Center, affirmed the vital role of ASEAN students as storytellers of the enduring friendship between China and ASEAN. 

The center, a government organization, pledged to continue advocating and facilitating mutual understanding and development among Chinese and ASEAN youths.