China Pledges Strong Support for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship
China Endorses Malaysia’s Theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability
China has pledged strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship, emphasizing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Protocol signing as a key priority for regional economic integration. Ambassador of China to ASEAN, Hou Yanqi, said Beijing fully endorses Malaysia’s theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, recognizing the country’s leadership in advancing ASEAN-China relations.
ACFTA 3.0: A Key Priority for Bilateral Cooperation
"The signing of ACFTA 3.0 will be one of the priorities of bilateral cooperation this year," Hou said at the ‘China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Salon’ here on Friday. China has played an active role in the negotiations, proposing high-standard text in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity.
Capacity-Building Activities and Workshops
China has actively supported ASEAN member states by organizing capacity-building activities, dialogues, and workshops, helping them understand cooperation prospects in these fields. "China has actively supported ASEAN member states by organizing capacity-building activities, dialogues, and workshops, helping them understand cooperation prospects in these fields," she said.
ASEAN Integration and Development Gaps
Hou stressed that both sides have demonstrated strong political will to advance the agreement, which is expected to deliver comprehensive and mutually beneficial outcomes for over two billion people in the region. Meanwhile, Beijing also reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN integration and narrowing development gaps within the region, particularly through the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as the largest sub-regional cooperation framework under ASEAN.
China’s Commitment to BIMP-EAGA
"China will step up investment in BIMP-EAGA, support Malaysia’s role within the area, and jointly implement cooperation projects outlined in the China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation Plan of Action (2020-2025)," Hou said. This year marks the 20th anniversary of China as a development partner of BIMP-EAGA, and next year will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.
ASEAN’s Central Role in Regional Framework
Amid global turbulence, Hou emphasized Beijing’s firm commitment to prioritizing ASEAN in its neighbourhood diplomacy, reaffirming support for the bloc’s community building and its central role in the regional framework. "We are ready to work with ASEAN to build the ‘Five Homes’ of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship," she said.
Conclusion
Hou expressed confidence that joint efforts would lead to new milestones in the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, building a closer community with a shared future. China’s commitment to ASEAN integration and development is a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of ACFTA 3.0?
A: ACFTA 3.0 is a key priority for regional economic integration, promoting trade and investment between China and ASEAN member states.
Q: What are the priority sectors for cooperation between China and ASEAN?
A: The priority sectors include the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity.
Q: What is the importance of BIMP-EAGA in ASEAN-China cooperation?
A: BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional cooperation framework that promotes economic growth and development in the region, and China’s commitment to BIMP-EAGA is a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation.