Building a shared future through deeper China-ASEAN synergy

Premier Li Qiang's call for dialogue and consultation as a means to effectively manage differences when addressing the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday is reflective of China's determination to address complex issues through collaboration and mutual respect.

This approach is particularly evident in the progress made between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as they have completed the third reading of the draft text for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. As these consultations continue, with a target to conclude by 2026, the hope is that they will pave the way for lasting stability and prosperity in the South China Sea.

The two sides' commitment to dialogue and cooperation represents a broader vision for regional integration and harmony. By fostering an environment where countries prioritize shared interests and mutual benefits, the groundwork is laid for a more interconnected and peaceful Asia-Pacific region. This approach aligns with their joint efforts to ensure that the South China Sea remains peaceful and stable.

The more turbulent the world becomes, the more valuable China-ASEAN unity is. By working together, the two sides are building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future that will ensure that the region remains a sea of stability, a land of opportunity and a harmonious home.

In his remarks at the summit, Premier Li reaffirmed China's readiness to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with all countries in the region, uphold openness and cooperation, and take practical steps to jointly usher in a new chapter of development for the region.

His remarks once again highlight China's consistent commitment to regional cooperation and to building a community with a shared future that benefits all countries in the region.

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

Over the past two decades, China-ASEAN cooperation has grown into the most vibrant and fruitful partnership in the Asia-Pacific.

Thanks to their economic complementarity and common 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 the past five years. 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 the global uncertainties.

This thriving cooperation is not accidental but the result of the consistent alignment of their development strategies and their joint commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system and rejecting all forms of protectionism. The two sides have completed negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, which is expected to be formally signed by the end of this year ushering in a new stage of economic integration. The upgraded FTA will further enhance market connectivity, trade facilitation and investment cooperation together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

In the Plan of Action to Implement the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-30), which is closely aligned with ASEAN's Community Vision 2045, the two sides have identified dozens of concrete goals across key areas — from trade and the digital economy to green energy and people-to-people exchanges — that provide a solid framework for the next stage of their cooperation. China and ASEAN should seize the opportunities and open new frontiers for innovation-driven growth.

Some observers say that the world is entering an "Asian moment" of globalization. As emerging economies and developing nations face mounting challenges from trade fragmentation and geopolitical rivalry, the success of China-ASEAN cooperation carries global significance. The tangible benefits of their cooperation are evident in their strengthening of infrastructure connectivity. These projects not only drive economic growth but also knit the region closer together. Equally encouraging are the booming people-to-people exchanges that underpin political trust and cultural understanding. Together, the two sides are demonstrating that regional integration, openness and mutual respect — not protectionism or bloc politics — offer the surest path toward shared prosperity and stability.

Premier Li's call for openness, cooperation and dialogue thus charts the right course for East Asia's future. At this new historical juncture, China and ASEAN should further align their development strategies, advance their high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. By doing so, they can ensure the region remains a model of peaceful development and a powerful engine of global growth.