Dialogue on China-ASEAN cultural heritage held in Gansu

The Dialogue on China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage, co-hosted by the Information Office of Gansu Provincial People's Government and the China Center for International Communication Development, a subsidiary of China International Communications Group (CICG), was held in Tianshui, Gansu province, on June 20.

With the theme "Unlock Development Wisdom through Heritage Protection," the dialogue focused on promoting exchange and cooperation in the inheritance, protection, and sustainable development of cultural heritage between China and ASEAN countries.

Yu Yunquan, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the Dialogue on China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage held in Tianshui, Gansu province, June 20, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

CICG Vice President Yu Yunquan said in his speech that exploring avenues for cultural heritage exchange, innovation, and sustainable development between China and ASEAN countries is a vivid demonstration of both sides keeping pace with the times, strengthening the foundation of friendship, and implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. These efforts will inject enduring momentum into the development of China-ASEAN relations, Yu said.

Ma Yuping, executive deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Gansu Provincial Committee, delivers a speech at the Dialogue on China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage held in Tianshui, Gansu province, June 20, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Ma Yuping, executive deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Gansu Provincial Committee, said that as close neighbors with deep cultural ties, China and ASEAN nations share a mission to preserve and develop their unique cultures and foster high-quality development. She said this event aimed to strengthen exchanges on cultural heritage preservation, boost international cooperation in this field, and leverage Gansu's rich cultural resources and advanced technological expertise in heritage conservation.

Irina Bokova, former director general of UNESCO, delivers a video address at the Dialogue on China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage held in Tianshui, Gansu province, June 20, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

Irina Bokova, former director general of UNESCO, said in her video address that cultural heritage is not merely about the past, it is a living resource that inspires creativity, promotes social inclusion, and supports economic growth. By encouraging open dialogue and a shared commitment to peace, it plays an essential role in building resilient societies. The joint actions between China and ASEAN countries on cultural preservation have set an example for practical regional cooperation, Bokova said.

During the roundtable discussion, experts and scholars from China and abroad expressed their hopes for greater youth engagement from both China and ASEAN countries in the cause of cultural heritage preservation.

The Digital China Creative Art Initiative is launched during the Dialogue on China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage held in Tianshui, Gansu province, June 20, 2025. [Photo/CICG] 

The Digital China Creative Art Initiative, proposed by the China Center for International Communication Development, was launched at the event. The initiative will leverage the strength of several universities and companies to explore the value of cultural heritage through digital technologies and innovative approaches, aiming to build a globally influential hub of cultural products.