The 13th China-ASEAN rally race to boost Belt and Road communication

The 2019 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly is set to kick off next month in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, race organizers announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

Organizers announce the race schedule of the 2019 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly in Nanning on Aug 20, 2019. [Photo provided to China Plus]

The three-week rally race features a 5,000 kilometer route, crossing five ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore before ending the journey in Malaysia.

The deputy head of the Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Center Yang Guangyu with the Chinese General Administration of Sport speaks during the press conference for the 2019 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly in Nanning on Aug 20, 2019. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Organizers have added a special stage and a motor group race this year along the border in Guangxi connecting Vietnam.

The race, in its 13th edition this year, will have over 160 drivers from China and ASEAN countries.

Vehicles pass through the Angkor Wat scenic spot in Cambodia during the 2018 China-ASEAN International Touring Assembly on Dec 19, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Apart from the competition, the rally race is a platform to promote the communication and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN countries along the Belt and Road route.

Special cultural and tourism activities will be held along the journey in different cities.