JAKARTA; The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, presided over the signing ceremony of the Cash Assistance Agreement between the Government of China and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on November 12, 2025.
Under the agreement, China will provide financial assistance of US$1 million (around RMB 7.3 million) to support reconstruction efforts in Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Mandalay earlier this year. The agreement was signed by Mr. Lee Yam Ming, Executive Director of the AHA Centre, and China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi.
The contribution will be used to construct prefabricated schools in affected areas, ensuring children have safe learning environments while restoring normalcy in their communities. China’s broader humanitarian assistance to Myanmar also includes the supply of food, medicines, temporary shelters, and medical and disaster assessment teams.
Dr. Kao praised China’s unwavering commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner and its dedication to regional resilience, disaster response, and humanitarian cooperation. He highlighted that the assistance embodies the principles of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and strengthens the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He expressed confidence that this initiative would deliver long-term benefits to the people of Myanmar and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion in all humanitarian operations.
The ASEAN Secretary-General also commended Ambassador Hou Yanqi for her efforts in deepening ASEAN-China relations during her tenure. The ceremony concluded with a shared commitment from all participants to further enhance cooperation in disaster management and post-crisis recovery.
The Mandalay earthquake of March 2025 caused significant damage across central Myanmar, displacing thousands and destroying key infrastructure. The ASEAN-AHA Centre, established in 2011, plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster relief across Southeast Asia, ensuring timely and effective regional response efforts.
