Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, serves as a comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration and is recognized as China's second international tourism island after Hainan. This dynamic area recently hosted a high-profile international event marking a new stage in regional cooperation: the first general assembly and academic event for the Austronesian and Maritime Civilization Committee of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia.

The event was held on November 30. Attendees included Xie Bing, deputy director of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA); Li Dejin, deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial People's Congress; Kong Vireak, undersecretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and secretary-general of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA); and key representatives from Samoa, including Hon. Leatigaga Matafai Lauina Iiga, associate minister of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Lai Jun, secretary of the Party Working Committee of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, was also present.

Xie Bing noted that the committee's establishment "marks a new stage in cultural heritage cooperation in Asia." He emphasized that the platform is both a concrete action to implement the consensus of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and a crucial step for advancing maritime civilization research.

"We are willing to work with all member states and the international academic community... to collaboratively carry out research on the Austronesian and maritime civilization," Xie stated, adding a commitment to sharing archaeological findings and protection technologies to boost mutual learning among civilizations.

Li Dejin highlighted Fujian's role as the core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and a demonstration zone for cross-Straits integration. He emphasized that the new committee provides a platform for "exploring the navigational footprint of Austronesian ancestors, deciphering the genetic code of maritime civilization, and safeguarding humanity's shared cultural heritage."

Kong Vireak affirmed the committee's role in deepening regional cooperation and understanding the evolution of civilization. He stressed the need for intensified cross-disciplinary collaboration, joint action, and capacity building to promote sustainable cultural heritage protection.

In his remarks, Lai Jun pledged Pingtan's full support to the committee's work, aiming to advance archaeological research and international exchange. He expressed a desire to seek guidance from experts to help Pingtan "better build an archaeological park and apply for World Cultural Heritage status."

The new committee unites 36 institutions from 21 countries across Asia and the South Pacific. It is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation on the protection of Austronesian cultural heritage resources, founded on the principles of mutual respect and benefit.