The Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Institute of International Relations and China’s Henan Normal University are jointly staging the 3rd 2025 China-ASEAN Excellent Youth Summer Camp (CAEYSC-2025). The camp, held at the university, aims to strengthen ties and cultural exchanges among youths from ASEAN member countries and China.
The event, held from July 6 to 12, includes a total of 47 student participants, 11 from ASEAN nations — including 2 Cambodians — and 36 from China.
Wang Jingru, a student representative from the Chinese university, stated that through these interactions, people can build a bridge of trust, enabling youths to become a force for multilateral cooperation.
“I believe that in the future, our exchanges — whether discussing public policy or reflecting on the responsibilities of youths — will enhance our professional perspectives,” she said.
Lach Poavin, a Cambodian student participating in the programme, expressed his delight in joining the event, noting that the camp connects youths with innovative ideas, links ASEAN with China and connects the future.
Kin Phea, director of the Institute of International Relations, said during the opening ceremony that the programme provides a platform for dialogue, trust-building and imagination. It is a space where future leaders from ASEAN and China can come together, not only as representatives of their respective countries but also as members of a shared future.
“It reaffirmed what we have always believed: that diplomacy begins not only in government buildings or formal summits but in the conversations, laughter, and cooperation between individuals, especially young people. It is in this spirit that we embark on this year’s camp with even greater ambition and resolve,” he added.
He explained that what makes this camp especially important is the growing strategic value of youth diplomacy in today’s world. In a time marked by rapid geopolitical shifts, technological disruption and global uncertainty, the energy, innovation and collaboration of young people are more crucial than ever.
“ASEAN and China together make up one of the most dynamic and interconnected regions on the planet, and it is you, the young generation, who will inherit the responsibility of steering our relations through complex and evolving global currents,” he said.
Phea envisioned that the success of ASEAN-China relations in the coming decades will depend not only on trade agreements or diplomatic accords but on the strength of human connections, starting with youth connections, like the ones formed during the CAEYSC-2025.
