With ASEAN and China jointly witnessing the signing of the upgrade protocol for the ‘China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0’ (ACFTA 3.0), this brings new opportunities for the two sides to expand their economic and trade cooperation framework. Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that China is willing to work together with ASEAN to unite further, remove external interference, and jointly resist risks and challenges, in order to create a bright future together.
He said that, currently, in the face of severe situations where unilateralism and protectionism are severely impacting the international economic and trade order, China and ASEAN must be even more steadfast in unity and self-strengthening. Through mutual coordination in action, they should defend their legitimate rights and interests, and through deepening cooperation, promote robust economic growth.
“External interference in this region is on the rise. Many countries are being unreasonably subjected to high tariffs, and our development faces even greater risks and challenges. In the face of strong political and economic bullying, not uniting and engaging in confrontation brings no benefit, and will only allow external forces to divide and conquer us.”
Li Qiang thanked Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar and the Malaysian government for their thoughtful arrangements, adding that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Many ASEAN national leaders were invited to attend a series of grand commemorative events held by China in September, jointly recalling those arduous and heroic times.
“During that war, China and ASEAN countries did not fear power, rose to resist, supported each other, and fought side by side, ultimately achieving independence and liberation. In the decades that followed, we also developed together, learned from each other, and worked hand in hand to achieve rapid economic growth and weathered major challenges such as the financial crisis, tsunamis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Li Qiang cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s statement during his visit to Southeast Asia in April this year, stressing that ‘unity is strength; cooperation brings mutual benefit’. Li pointed out that China and ASEAN countries, as good neighbors and brothers that are close geographically, emotionally and culturally, can unleash tremendous energy as long as they stay united and self-reliant, with no difficulty insurmountable.
“We are happy to see that over the past year, the joint development of China and ASEAN countries has achieved new results, cooperation in various fields has flourished, trade volume has steadily increased, and ASEAN visas have made cultural and people-to-people exchanges more vibrant.”
The 28th ASEAN–China Summit was held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, co-chaired by rotating ASEAN chair Prime Minister Anwar and Li Qiang.