Joining hands to build a peaceful, prosperous and humane ASEAN-China Community

VHO - Within the framework of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-8) held in Hanoi, on the afternoon of October 17, the 2nd ASEAN + China Sports Ministerial Meeting (AMMS+China 2) was held, marking an important step forward in regional sports cooperation.

Vice Minister Huang Daogang (left) and Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Sport of China Li Jing co-chaired the meeting.

With the spirit of “ A peaceful , dynamic and prosperous ASEAN-China community through sports”, the conference affirmed the determination to jointly foster a sustainable cooperative future, using sports as a bridge of friendship and mutual understanding.

Strengthening sports cooperation – fostering friendship and sustainable development

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized that ASEAN-China sports cooperation has achieved many positive results, especially in the fields of coach training, professional capacity improvement, community sports development and school sports. These cooperation programs not only contribute to strengthening friendship between countries, but also build a foundation for harmonious and sustainable development in the region.

Vietnam highly appreciates China’s initiative in supporting ASEAN through training courses, sports exchange programs and cultural and sports exchanges. China’s successful experiences in organizing major international events such as the Beijing Olympics or the Asian Games are considered practical models for ASEAN to refer to, especially in the management and development of professional sports.

At the Conference, Vietnam proposed three key cooperation initiatives for the 2025-2030 period, including developing sports human resources through the formation of a network of ASEAN-China Sports Training and Research Centers, expanding scholarships and expert exchange programs; promoting ASEAN-China youth sports through tournaments, summer camps and student exchange programs, contributing to nurturing a dynamic and creative young generation; promoting cultural values ​​in sports, combining the promotion of traditional sports such as Wushu, Tai Chi, Sepak Takraw, and Chinese Chess, while developing sports tourism and media cooperation.

Overview of the meeting

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong also emphasized that digital transformation in sports – from athlete management to sports medicine and competition organization – is “the key to improving cooperation efficiency in the new era”.

On the Chinese side, Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Sports Li Jing affirmed that ASEAN has always been a leading important partner in China's foreign policy. He emphasized that sports have a strong influence, are a bridge of peace, understanding and people-to-people cooperation, and pledged to continue supporting ASEAN in training coaches, developing community and school sports, and organizing joint sports events, especially traditional sports, to promote regional solidarity.

Joint statement affirms sport as a force for peace and prosperity

At the end of the meeting, the parties adopted the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Sports Cooperation, affirming that sports is a means to promote regional peace, understanding and cooperation, making practical contributions to the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Joint Statement sets out five key orientations for the coming period, including: establishing an ASEAN + China sports cooperation mechanism in line with the ASEAN-China Plan of Action on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN Plan of Action on Sports 2026-2030; promoting people-to-people exchanges through sports, promoting the spirit of fair play, respecting cultural diversity, and developing the capacity of coaches, referees and sports experts.

At the same time, encourage community sports, sports for people with disabilities, women and youth, towards a healthy and sustainable lifestyle; develop special cooperation projects, notably the “ASEAN Sports Zone” - a model of infrastructure connection, organizing common events and regional youth exchanges; reaffirm the spirit of “One ASEAN - One China: cooperation, dynamism, creativity for a common prosperous future”, demonstrating a long-term vision of a peaceful and sustainable Asian sports community.

Sports contribute to sustainable development

VHO - The Vietnam Sports Administration has just held a press conference to provide information on the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-8) and related conferences in 2025. The conference is expected to welcome about 200 delegates, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, heads of sports agencies of ASEAN countries and Timor Leste; ASEAN senior officials on sports; representatives of ministries and sports agencies of Japan, China and related international organizations.

The conference also acknowledged the initial results of ASEAN-China sports cooperation. The “ASEAN Sports Zone” project has completed phase I in Cambodia and Indonesia, and is preparing to expand phase II in Laos, Brunei, Myanmar and Thailand. This is considered the first regional sports network connecting the two sides’ sports facilities and communities.

China has affirmed that it will continue to support sports science research programs, preserve traditional sports and develop school sports. A new highlight is the initiative “International Tai Chi Day” – expected to be approved by UNESCO by the end of 2025 – which is expected to become a cultural and sports symbol of Asia.

Towards a dynamic, modern and humane ASEAN-China community

The general spirit of the Conference is encapsulated in the message: “Sports is a bridge for peace, understanding and cooperation.” The two sides agreed to promote cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and shared benefits, thereby responding to global challenges and building a stable and prosperous region.

The meeting also welcomed Timor Leste as an observer, opening up new prospects for future cooperation. Delegates agreed that Cambodia and China will co-chair the 3rd ASEAN + China Sports Ministers Meeting (AMMS + China 3) in 2027.

At the end of the program, the Ministers and Heads of Delegation expressed their deep gratitude to Vietnam - the host country of AMMS-8, and the ASEAN Secretariat and China - co-hosts, for successfully organizing the conference, contributing to bringing ASEAN - China sports cooperation to a comprehensive, substantive and future-oriented stage.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/chung-tay-xay-dung-cong-dong-asean-trung-quoc-hoa-binh-thinh-vuong-va-nhan-van-175380.html