On October 9th, the second International Academic Conference on National Physical Fitness and Health Promotion between China and ASEAN kicked off in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. This four-day event gathers representatives from ASEAN member countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar, who will focus on two main topics: “Exercise and Physical Health Promotion” and “Active Health and Population Aging,” sharing relevant experiences in promoting physical fitness.

Themed “Deepening Physical Cooperation to Drive a Healthy Future,” the conference aims to highlight research in the field of national physical fitness and health promotion. It seeks to leverage the unique advantages of sports to enhance the physical health of citizens in both China and ASEAN countries, while also advancing sports technology collaboration between the regions. The goal is to continually boost the international influence of Chinese sports science and effectively tell the stories of Chinese sports, spreading its culture and establishing the conference as a brand for international sports exchanges.

During the opening ceremony, Liu Guoyong, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, delivered a video address. He emphasized that the Chinese government prioritizes the health of its people as a key strategic goal, aiming to improve the overall health level and quality of life of citizens. Liu highlighted the significant role of sports in promoting comprehensive human development and advancing common prosperity among all citizens. He expressed hope that under the framework of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, all parties will collaborate closely, enhancing sports exchanges and dialogue, and sharing more health initiatives with an open mindset focused on building mutual understanding and shared health.

Ding Dong, Director of the Mass Sports Division at the General Administration of Sport of China, also spoke at the conference, noting that promoting fitness among the population is a vital component of China’s sports sector. He pointed out that the health of the people is an essential indicator of a nation’s prosperity and strength. Ding expressed his desire to utilize sports as a “universal language” to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between China and ASEAN countries, and to foster practical cooperation in sports science research related to public fitness.

The conference is hosted by the Sports Science Research Institute of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Shaanxi Provincial Sports Bureau, the China Sports Science Society, and the China-ASEAN Center.