China-ASEAN cooperation gains steam as ties grow stronger

Despite COVID-19 outbreaks and growing uncertainties, China sees unstoppable momentum in its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and is ready to further deepen its strategic partnership.

Last November, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN-China dialogue relations, the two sides jointly announced the establishment of a China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, a new milestone in their relations.

"The economic relations between ASEAN and China have never been stronger and closer than today," ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi said at a summit held last week.

"In response to the fast-changing global economic landscape in the post-pandemic era, ASEAN and China are moving towards a new forward-looking partnership," he said, adding that "the scope of this partnership is wide-ranging and includes many emerging priorities such as resilient supply chains, digital economy, and sustainability."

China is actively building the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA with ASEAN members, according to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the 28th trade ministers' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

The country stands ready to advance pragmatic cooperation with all parties to boost regional economic integration, promote economic recovery in the region, and maintain regional peace and stable development, said a spokesperson for the ministry.

"China remains open to any regional economic initiative that conforms to the aforementioned principles," he said.

Underscoring efforts to cement ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, China has made the call to "contribute to an Asian family of unity and progress together."

ASEAN countries are also pledging to enhance cooperation to implement the China-proposed Global Development Initiative in a bid to accelerate the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: Xinhua News Agency