The ASEAN–China Week 2025, held recently in Fujian under the theme “Our Shared Future: Bridging ASEAN 2045 and Chinese Modernization,” served as a platform to advance dialogue and cooperation amid rapidly growing bilateral trade, which exceeded USD 982 billion in 2024. ASEAN countries highlighted the alignment between ASEAN’s Vision 2045 and China’s development trajectory, while underscoring the importance of people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation.

ASEAN continues to strengthen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China through expanded collaboration across tourism, investment, education, trade, culture, and media. All ASEAN Member States participated in the 2025 ASEAN–China Week to enhance mutual understanding and coordination.

Ambassador Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN–China Centre, emphasized the event’s role as a key platform for engagement and reviewed more than three decades of growing ties, during which bilateral trade surged from under USD 8 billion to over USD 982 billion in 2024. He also welcomed the signing of the ACFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and major infrastructure initiatives such as the China–Laos Railway and the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway.

Speakers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and the ASEAN Secretariat reiterated the importance of ASEAN Vision 2045, its compatibility with China’s modernization goals, and the need to promote inclusive growth, innovation, and the digital economy. The Philippines—ASEAN Chair in 2026—affirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, digital transformation, food security, and clean energy, expressing hope that ACFTA 3.0 would help the region modernize trade practices.

Participants also underscored the significance of academic dialogue and people-to-people exchanges in fostering deeper mutual understanding amid rising protectionism and global uncertainties.

Source: Compiled by the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam