The 10th "Friends of Diplomacy" Summer Camp

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong held the 10th "Friendship Diplomacy" Summer Camp from June 1 to 9. Four representatives from CUHK participated in this unique student summer camp focused on diplomacy, aimed at enhancing the understanding of China's distinctive diplomacy among more Hong Kong university students and broadening their international perspectives.

This year's summer camp took the students to Beijing and Indonesia, where they engaged in a series of enriching activities. Highlights included:

Visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and participation in a regular press conference

In-depth exchanges with young diplomats and attending specialised lectures at the Diplomatic Academy

Exploring infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway

Our students had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of China's foreign policy and expand their international perspectives. They returned with invaluable experiences that will have a profound impact on their future careers!

Participant Sharing

1. Liang Chung Yat, United College, Geography and Resource Management, Year 4

This summer camp allowed me to witness the grand scope of China's diplomacy firsthand. I have come to realise that Hong Kong youth are not only witnesses to the country's development but should also be participants. During the nine-day itinerary, we visited the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, attended a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and toured the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, experiencing the rigour, professionalism, and wisdom of diplomatic work!

The trip to Indonesia was equally fulfilling. We experienced the "China speed" of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, visited the former site of the Bandung Conference, and engaged in in-depth discussions with the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Chinese ambassadors to ASEAN and Indonesia, witnessing the pragmatism and long-term efforts of Chinese diplomacy! Furthermore, the cultural exchange with students from the local Confucius Institute in Bali made me realise that sincere interactions can transcend geographical barriers and connect us through the shared culture of China.

Finally, I sincerely thank the school and the Hong Kong office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their arrangements! This journey has broadened my international perspective and strengthened my determination to tell the Chinese story and contribute to the country and Hong Kong, filling me with immense confidence, honour, and pride in my nation!

2. Ng Tsam Fong, Wu Yee Sun College, Government and Public Administration, Year 3

As a political science student, this journey was particularly meaningful for me. The trip was very enriching, like a lively political class where I saw the knowledge points from textbooks come to life. Scenes that I had only seen on social media appeared right before my eyes. We entered the Blue Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attend a press conference, experiencing the charm of Chinese diplomacy. We also participated in a class at the Diplomatic Academy on the "Community of Shared Future for Mankind." Riding the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway in Indonesia, I felt the familiar "China speed" racing across a foreign land. I learned about the contributions of the Belt and Road Initiative to people's livelihoods. During my visits to Chinese enterprises and the Confucius Institute, I witnessed the rapid development of technology and the exchange and export of civilisation.

From theoretical learning to tangible experiences, every scene made me feel that Chinese diplomacy not only has height but also warmth. From Beijing to Indonesia, this lively political class showed me not only the achievements of Chinese diplomacy but also the responsibilities of a significant power. I also understood that diplomacy is not just about national matters; it is closely related to each of us as youth. As a Hong Kong youth, I hope to leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong youth to serve as a bridge for Sino-foreign exchanges and to tell the stories of Hong Kong and China well.

I sincerely thank the Hong Kong office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the school for providing this opportunity, allowing me to step out of the classroom and experience the real world.

＜ Students' Stories