The 12th ASEAN-China Prosecutors-General Conference held in Siem Reap, Cambodia　

On November 6, 2019, the 12th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference was inaugurated in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Zhang Jun, prosecutor-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, emphasized that Chinese prosecutorial organs stand ready to unite with their ASEAN counterparts during challenges, and to advance friendly cooperation to a new stage.

He noted that the traditional friendship between China and ASEAN countries dates back to ancient times. With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China-ASEAN relations have entered a new era marked by stronger political trust, deepening economic and trade ties, broader cooperation across multiple fields, and continuous improvement in people's well-being. At present, both sides are striving for a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future. He highlighted, Chinese prosecutorial organs, will continue to work closely with ASEAN partners to  establish a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Zhang pointed out that the conference's topic "The Role of Prosecutors in Regionally Combating Human Trafficking" showcased the participants' profound understanding of the grave social harm caused by cross-border human trafficking, as well as their firm determination to strengthen international cooperation and safeguard regional peace.

He called for fully leveraging the China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference mechanism to solve problems, undertake the social responsibilities, and fulfill international commitments in cracking down on cross-border human trafficking.

Zhang proposed three suggestions in the following keynote speech on combating trafficking in women and children: Firstly, conducting joint special action to strike cross-border trafficking of women and children effectively, so as to form deterrence effect to criminals and maintain border area's stability and public safety. Secondly, improving judicial assistance mechanism, including cross-border investigation and evidence collection, arrest and repatriation of suspects, recovery and transfer of illicit assets, service of judicial documents, and information exchange, as well as jointly compiling and publishing reference cases to guide prosecutors in handling such cases more effectively. Thirdly, organizing joint training courses and seminars to strengthen exchanges among prosecutors in border areas, address practical judicial challenges, and enhance professional expertise. 

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen met with the heads of the delegations and addressed the opening ceremony. He expressed his gratitude for the China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference mechanism and voiced expectations for it to play a greater role in building a more efficient platform for information exchange and experience sharing, combating cross-border crimes especially human trafficking safeguarding regional peace and stability, and improving the well-being of people in China and ASEAN countries.