A women's symposium was held on November 25, 2022, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The symposium, with the theme "Happy Family and Harmonious Society," was held online in both Beijing and Seoul.

Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), addressed the symposium via video link. Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President and First Member of the Secretariat of the ACWF, and Kim Hyunsook, Minister of Gender Equality and Family of ROK, delivered keynote speeches.

Shen said the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Government always strive for the happiness of all Chinese people and their families. Shen quoted President Xi Jinping's words, including "The people's aspiration for a better life is what we are striving for;" "The myriad of things we attend to all boil down to matters concerning every household;" and, "Only when all the Chinese families live happy lives, can the country and the nation stand strong." Those words reflected a people-centered philosophy of development, and President Xi pointed out the direction for advancing the happiness of everyone and every family, Shen added.

During the first decade of the new era, historic achievements have been made in family development and the development of Chinese women and children's undertakings. The 20th CPC National Congress drew a magnificent blueprint for advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, and it also drew a promising future for people to realize their personal dream, their family's dream and the dream of their nation.

Embarking on the new journey for China to advance toward the Second Centenary Goal, Shen said friendly cooperation between China and ROK will surely embrace a better future. She hoped both countries will enter a new phase of deepening communications and cooperation, especially on issues related to family, women and children, and will support women as they play a greater role in family happiness and society harmony, win public support for the strengthening of the China-ROK strategic partnership, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Huang said, under the leadership of President Xi, China has put the people first, and has adhered to the principle that the prosperity and strength of the country and the rejuvenation of the nation must be ultimately reflected in the happiness of myriad families. China has made great efforts to ensure millions of families live in peace and happiness and to fulfill people's longing for a good life.

The 20th CPC National Congress included the building of families into the Party and the country's overall development blueprint, and greater opportunities were provided to advance Chinese women and children's development, as well as to family development, family education and family virtues. In particular, Huang noted ACWF's practices on the enhancement of family development, family education and family virtues.

Kim explained ROK's measures to cope with the country's low birthrate and to promote friendly family culture. She praised China for the achievements it has made in the advancement of family building and women's development. She also expressed her willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the ACWF, and to make new contributions to advancing China-ROK friendship and women's overall development.

The symposium was cohosted by the ACWF and ROK's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Wu Haiying, Vice-President and Member of the Secretariat of the ACWF, presided over the symposium. Chinese Ambassador to ROK, Xing Haiming, ROK Ambassador to China, Chung Jae-Ho, and representatives from relevant departments of both countries attended. Experts and scholars exchanged views on the topics of "Family Public Service and Family Care" and "Family-Friendly Society."

(Women of China English Monthly)