Bridging the community, towards a sustainable future

VHO - On October 15 in Hanoi, the 4th ASEAN+China Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS+China) was held within the framework of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-8).

Overview of the meeting

The conference was co-chaired by Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration and Ms. Wang Xiao Yin, Coordinator of the Foreign Affairs Department (General Administration of Sports of China).

The conference not only affirmed Vietnam's proactive role in the regional sports cooperation process, but also opened a new chapter in ASEAN-China relations on the basis of people-to-people exchange, cooperation for health and sustainable development.

Sports – A bridge of understanding and connection

Speaking at the Conference, Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh emphasized that over the years, China has maintained substantive cooperation programs with ASEAN, through exchanges, experience sharing and policy coordination in the field of physical education and sports.

Activities such as the China-ASEAN International Sports Science Conference, the ASEAN-China Women's Wushu Championships and the CAITA Road Car Parade have become vivid evidence of the spirit of open and close cooperation between the two sides. Not only do they have sporting significance, they are also "cultural bridges" that foster understanding, trust and friendship between peoples of different countries.

Notably, community events such as the China-ASEAN SUP-Kayak Championship or the Regional Traditional Sports Festival have spread the spirit of “sports for all” – where sports are seen not only as physical exercise, but also as a tool to unite society and improve the quality of life.

According to Ms. Wang Xiao Yin, since the establishment of ASEAN-China dialogue relations in 1991, the two sides have achieved many important progresses, especially after upgrading to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. In that broad picture of cooperation, sports is considered a soft pillar to help foster friendship, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

From “ASEAN sports zone” to vision 2030

One of the highlights of bilateral cooperation is the “ASEAN Sports Zones” initiative, a model considered a symbol of regional cohesion through community sports.

Phase I (2022–2023) implemented in Cambodia and Indonesia has had a positive effect, creating friendly and accessible sports spaces for all. Phase II (2024–2025) is being expanded to Laos, Myanmar and Thailand with technical support from China. In Laos, Anouvong Park in Vientiane will be inaugurated in late 2025, while in Myanmar, the project is restarted for 2026 after a delay due to natural disasters.

Delegates from ASEAN countries assessed that the success of the first phase came from the consensus between the government and the people – when sports became the “common language” of solidarity and development.

In parallel, the project “Exchange and Revival of ASEAN-China Traditional Sports and Games” is also being promoted. From Wushu, Tai Chi to Sepak Takraw and Chinese Chess, sports with strong cultural identities are preserved, enriching the region’s intangible cultural heritage.

Not only limited to exchanges, ASEAN-China cooperation has also expanded to the fields of sports science, sports medicine and coach training. Special training camps on Tai Chi, Sepak Takraw, Archery, Rowing, etc., held annually, have attracted hundreds of young athletes, promoting professional exchanges and connecting the next generation.

Entering a new phase of cooperation

2025 is identified as the Year of ASEAN-China People-to-People Exchange, in which sports plays a central role in cooperation activities. The two sides agreed on the cooperation orientation for the period 2026-2030 with three major focuses.

Including enhancing sports exchanges and preserving traditional sports cultural heritage, expanding “ASEAN Sports Zones” to phase III with the participation of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam; promoting sports as a form of people's diplomacy, contributing to strengthening political trust, enhancing understanding between cultures, towards regional peace and stability...

In addition, the Conference also reviewed preparations for the 2nd ASEAN+China Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS+China), which is expected to adopt a Joint Statement and Provisional Agenda on October 17, creating a basis for cooperation in the next phase.

From sports playgrounds to cultural and social bridges, ASEAN-China cooperation is affirming the role of sports as a “soft key” to open up a connected, healthy and sustainable future for the entire region.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/cau-noi-cong-dong-huong-toi-tuong-lai-ben-vung-174970.html