China's Bilateral Cooperation with ASEAN Yields Fruitful Results

Strategic Insights -

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the significant advancements in bilateral cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a speech at the China-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur. TheSpeech marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two parties, with tangible outcomes in various areas. Wang Yi emphasized that China considers ASEAN a priority in its diplomatic relations and aims to continue working closely with the region to promote peace, cooperation, and economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • China and ASEAN have made significant progress in building a community of shared future, with the Chinese President Xi Jinping's visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia in April 2025 marking a major milestone in advancing this initiative.
  • The negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 have been fully completed, and the protocol is expected to be signed within a year, marking a major step towards regional openness and cooperation.
  • China has completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, effectively resolving differences and maintaining overall maritime stability.
  • The issuance of "Lancang-Mekong visa" and "ASEAN visa" has officially begun, making mutual travel between China and ASEAN countries more convenient and frequent.
  • China views ASEAN as a pioneering platform for the creation of a community with a common future for mankind, emphasizing the principles of good-neighborliness, stable and prosperous neighborhood, benevolence, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and common destiny.
  • China is willing to work with ASEAN to promote Asia's values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, and build a common home of peace, security, prosperity, beauty, and friendship.

Statistics:

  • Over the past two years, China and ASEAN nations have held more than 100 cultural and humanitarian events.
  • 100+ cultural and humanitarian events have been held between China and ASEAN countries over the past two years.
  • The negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 are expected to be completed within a year.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency
  • People's Republic of China State Council News