Participants attended the ASEAN-China Tourism Security and Safety Forum in Yangon, Myanmar, on August 25, 2025.
The forum was jointly organized by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC). It focused on building a solid security barrier, advancing regional tourism development and prosperity, and exploring practical solutions to challenges.
In his remarks, ACC Secretary-General Shi Zhongjun noted that although ASEAN’s tourism sector has seen partial recovery after the pandemic, concerns about safety, security, misinformation, and the lingering effects of conflicts have undermined public confidence and hindered tourism development.
Shi put forward four suggestions: deepening regional policy and security cooperation, aligning security with sustainable development, strengthening tourism capacity building, and promoting digital innovation and governance.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, in a video message, emphasized that ASEAN countries should share responsibilities and work together to enhance security, deepen cooperation, and promote tourism to foster cultural trust and common development.
Kao also highlighted the significant potential for mutual visits and cooperation between ASEAN and China in tourism, stressing the importance of advancing tourism security cooperation with China to create a model of shared development and prosperity.
Myanmar’s Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, underlined the importance of building a high-standard tourism security system to support tourism and economic growth. He reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China and continuously improving tourism security capabilities.
LMLECC Deputy Secretary-General Ly Davuth said the center will rely on existing cooperation frameworks, including the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration, to safeguard regional tourism development through multidimensional collaboration such as intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Ly Davuth called on all parties to use this forum as an opportunity to deepen security cooperation and to promote joint efforts between China and ASEAN to build a safe, convenient, and sustainable tourism environment.
Participants also held in-depth discussions on regional security challenges and responses, policy coordination, and national practices. The forum concluded with the adoption of the ASEAN-China Tourism Security and Safety Initiative for Regional Sustainable Development.