BPAFFC Co-hosts ASEAN-China Lady Cultural Gathering in Beijing

The “Grace of Spring: ASEAN-China Lady Cultural Gathering” was held at the BPAFFC on March 31. Co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the BPAFFC, it marked the third installment of the “Friendship Blooms in Beijing” Home for International Friends Serial Events hosted by the BPAFFC. About 80 female officials from 11 ASEAN nations and their family members, as well as Chinese representatives, were gathered, in a spirit of friendship, to experience traditional culture, strengthen mutual bonds, and promote friendly exchanges.

WANG Yu, Secretary of the CPC Leadership Group and Executive Vice President of BPAFFC, noted in his speech that last year, the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women was held in Beijing, which has built a global consensus on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event is a solid practice of the meeting’s spirit and upholds the ideals of International Women’s Day. On behalf of the BPAFFC, he expressed the readiness to work with the ACC and ASEAN nations, to provide more platforms for people-to-people exchanges, deepen win-win pragmatic cooperation, and advance women’s cause together with the promotion of friendly exchanges.

SHI Zhongjun, Secretary General of the ACC, said, “2026 marks the 5th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past years, our partnership has witnessed remarkable strides across multiple fields of cooperation. This progress would not have been possible without the dedication of women from all walks of life across ASEAN and China.”

Her Excellency SOEUNG Rathchavy, Ambassador of Cambodia to China, stated, “Today’s gathering reflects our strong desire and commitment to promote friendship between ASEAN and China through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Women, in particular, have played an important and active role in nurturing these exchanges.” She stressed ASEAN’s commitment to promoting and deepening cultural exchanges, strengthening friendship between the peoples of ASEAN and China, as well as empowering women to play an even greater role in shaping a brighter future for our partnership.

In a guided tour, the guests visited a horse-themed painting exhibition by celebrated Chinese artist XU Beihong, featuring classic works such as Galloping Horse and Six Galloping Horses. Created during his sojourn in Penang, Malaysia, from 1939 to 1941, Galloping Horse was not only his representative work but also the centerpiece of his charity art shows aimed at raising relief funds to support the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The guests lingered to appreciate the artworks, immersing themselves in the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture and the patriotism of the renowned Chinese artist.

During the cultural gathering, the guests also got hands-on with Chinese intangible cultural heritage and made traditional Chinese handicrafts. Under the guidance of intangible cultural heritage artisans, they learned how to make gold-wire mother-of-pearl gem paintings and Song brocade accessories. Each handmade piece embodied their talent and devotion, representing not only a hands-on experience with intangible cultural heritage but also as a cherished souvenir of this event.

Outstanding handicrafts were selected and their makers received awards from the hosts. A group photo of the hosts and all the guests was taken at the end of the event.

The interactive, friendly cultural gathering promoted fine traditional Chinese culture and bolstered public support for people-to-people friendship between ASEAN and China, adding a new, beautiful page to the annals of good-neighborliness and win-win cooperation.