China Proposes Four-Point Plan for East Asian Cooperation to Address Unilateralism and Protectionism

Strategic Insights -

The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, recently attended the ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK (APT) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where he presented a four-point proposal for the next stage of East Asian cooperation. The proposals aim to strengthen economic integration, build a strong and resilient East Asia, foster innovation, and promote cultural affinity among APT countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's economy has maintained steady progress while moving towards higher quality through optimized structure and fresh momentum driven by innovation, demonstrating strong resilience and development potential.
  • China is ready to work with all parties to implement the leaders' statement and continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation on industrial and supply chains.
  • The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area negotiations have been fully completed, and China is ready to explore more cooperation opportunities by aligning with the priority areas of practical cooperation in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.
  • China proposes to accelerate the restart of negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement and advance the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
  • China will host an ASEAN Plus Three high-level seminar on immigration management policies, conduct ASEAN Plus Three capacity training in response to population aging, and host the ASEAN Plus Three Young Scientists Forum, media cooperation seminars, and other events.
  • Foreign ministers of ASEAN countries extended congratulations on the successful convening of the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting and appreciated China, Japan, and the ROK for supporting ASEAN centrality.
  • All parties agreed to advance the implementation of the RCEP, improve the regional financial safety net, enhance food security cooperation, and put forward suggestions on strengthening innovation cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Statistics:

  • The ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK (APT) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held on July 10, 2025.
  • The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area negotiations have been fully completed.
  • China has already implemented the ASEAN Plus Three green technology cooperation and dialogue network project.
  • The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is being implemented.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, "Wang Yi Attends APT Foreign Ministers' Meeting".
  • ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK (APT) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, "Joint Statement of the APT Foreign Ministers' Meeting".