Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The momentum of China-ASEAN integrated development continues to strengthen

On October 22, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiajun presided over a regular press conference. A reporter asked, "We have noted that the latest data shows that in the first three quarters of this year, China's total import and export value with ASEAN reached 5.57 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%. ASEAN has maintained its position as China's largest trading partner, and events such as the China-ASEAN Expo have been successfully held. Against the backdrop of increasing external uncertainties, China-ASEAN cooperation has 'moved against the trend' with numerous highlights. How does China view its cooperation with ASEAN, and what are the current assessments of China-ASEAN relations?"?

Guo Jiajun stated that China shares geographical proximity, common values, and intertwined interests with ASEAN countries. The continuous deepening of their comprehensive strategic partnership injects stability and certainty into the development of Asia and the world.

The frequent high-level exchanges between China and ASEAN have strengthened political mutual trust, with growing momentum for integrated development. Both sides attach great importance to aligning development strategies and have formulated the "China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan (2026-2030)." Leveraging their respective strengths, they have enhanced supply chain integration and resilience, with the Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade protocol set to be officially signed this year, injecting greater momentum into regional economic integration and global trade. Projects such as the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway are operating smoothly, improving connectivity and driving economic development along the routes. Emerging areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence and the digital economy, are flourishing, opening new prospects for innovation-driven development.

The pace of cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and ASEAN is accelerating. The "China-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year" activities have flourished, yielding fruitful outcomes in cooperation across education, youth, think tanks, media, and other fields. China has introduced the "ASEAN Visa," achieving comprehensive visa exemptions with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, and granting mutual visa-free treatment with Brunei. These exchanges, akin to visiting relatives, have drawn the hearts of the people closer together.

China and ASEAN are jointly committed to maintaining regional peace and stability. China firmly supports ASEAN's central role in the regional architecture and advocates resolving internal ASEAN issues through the "ASEAN Way." We are dedicated to resolving differences with directly involved parties in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation, fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with ASEAN countries, accelerating consultations on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea," deepening practical maritime cooperation, and jointly building a peaceful, amicable, and cooperative sea.

The more the international situation changes, the more we must steer the course of cooperation and build a path of win-win outcomes. China will uphold the principles of amity, security, prosperity, and mutual benefit with neighbors, as well as the concepts of sincerity, friendship, and shared destiny. Together with regional countries, we will work to build a common home of peace, security, prosperity, beauty, and friendship, and advance the construction of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

(Reporter Shen Yang, CCTV)