Building a shared future through deeper China-ASEAN synergy

Premier Li Qiang’s call for dialogue and consultation as a means to manage differences – delivered at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday – reflects China’s resolve to address complex issues through collaboration and mutual respect.

This approach is evident in the progress made with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as both sides completed the third reading of the draft text for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. With consultations targeted to conclude by 2026, hopes are high for lasting stability and prosperity in the region.

The commitment to dialogue and cooperation speaks to a broader vision for regional integration and harmony. By fostering an environment where countries prioritize shared interests and mutual benefits, China and ASEAN are laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and peaceful Asia–Pacific. This aligns with their joint efforts to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.

The more turbulent the world becomes, the more valuable China–ASEAN unity is. Working together, both sides are building a China–ASEAN community with a shared future – one that ensures the region remains a sea of stability, a land of opportunity and a harmonious home.

In his summit remarks, Premier Li reaffirmed China’s readiness to align development strategies with all regional countries, uphold openness and cooperation, and take practical steps to jointly usher in a new chapter of regional growth.

His remarks highlight China’s consistent commitment to regional cooperation and the creation of a community with a shared future that benefits all.

Amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and ASEAN stand out for upholding fair trade. Guided by a shared vision of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, they offer a model of mutual support, unity and progress.

Over the past two decades, China–ASEAN cooperation has grown into the most vibrant and fruitful partnership in the Asia–Pacific. Thanks to economic complementarity and mutual support for free trade, China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for five. In the first three quarters of this year, bilateral trade reached 5.57 trillion yuan ($785 billion), up 9.6 percent year-on-year – a remarkable performance amid global uncertainties.

This thriving cooperation stems from the alignment of development strategies and shared commitment to a multilateral trading system. The two sides have completed negotiations on the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, expected to be formally signed by year’s end, ushering in a new stage of economic integration. The upgraded FTA will enhance market connectivity, trade facilitation and investment cooperation.

In the Plan of Action to Implement the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026–30), aligned with ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045, both sides identified dozens of goals – from trade and the digital economy to green energy and people-to-people exchanges – that provide a solid framework for future cooperation. China and ASEAN should seize these opportunities and open new frontiers for innovation-driven growth.

Some observers say the world is entering an “Asian moment” of globalization. As emerging economies face trade fragmentation and geopolitical rivalry, China–ASEAN cooperation carries global significance.

Premier Li’s call for openness, cooperation and dialogue charts the right course. At this new juncture, China and ASEAN should align strategies, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly implement the Global Development and Security Initiatives – ensuring the region remains a model of peaceful development and global growth.

[Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily