(28 November 2024)

H.E. Dr. Chanpheng SOUTHIVONG, Vice President of Lao Front for National Development,
H.E. Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Prof. Li Cheng, Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong,
Distinguished scholars,
Dear friends,

Good morning!

I am very glad to attend the ASEAN-China Forum 2024 and discuss ASEAN-China relations with all of you in Hong Kong. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) at the University of Hong Kong for providing this valuable opportunity. I would also like to thank Professor Li Cheng and all colleagues from CCCW for your thoughtful preparations and arrangements for the forum.

I assumed the post of Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN at the end of 2022. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of personally participating in the important agendas of ASEAN and East Asian cooperation, and witnessing the significant development of ASEAN-China cooperation. I was deeply impressed by the unique charm of ASEAN as a regional organization. And I further realized the inherent closeness, rich connotation, and vast potential of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. I would like to summarize the characteristics of ASEAN-China relations in three “mosts”:

First, most leading. China was the first to establish a strategic partnership with ASEAN and the first to upgrade it to comprehensive strategic partnership. China was the first to sign FTA with ASEAN and upgraded it twice. And China was also the first major country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and leaders of ASEAN countries, we are actively building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future, constructing a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home.

Second, most dynamic. China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. And we have been each other's largest trading partners for 4 consecutive years. The two-way cumulative investment has surpassed $400 billion. In the first ten months of this year, the trade volume between ASEAN and China grew by 8.8%. China has implemented a mutual visa-free policy with ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Flights, travels and people-to-people exchanges were resumed quickly. From January to August this year, more than 25 million people traveled between China and ASEAN countries, more than doubled year-on-year.

Third, most fruitful. Under the guidance of leaders of China and ASEAN countries, the outcomes of the ASEAN-China Summits and other meetings have most highlights and richest dimensions and are implemented best among ASEAN’s dialogue partners. China and ASEAN have established over 60 dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. We also enjoy fruitful Belt and Road cooperation. The Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway, the China-Laos Railway and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and other flagship projects keep benefiting the whole region through specific projects in individual countries.

The achievements in ASEAN-China relations over the past 33 years are attributable to our unique geographical proximity and cultural affinity and, more importantly, to the fact that we have embraced the development trend of our times and made the right historic choice. We adhere to mutual respect, and carry forward Asian values such as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. We uphold the “ASEAN way” featuring reaching consensus through consultation and taking into account the comfort of all parties, so as to enhance understanding and trust. We adhere to openness and inclusiveness, and advocate true multilateralism and open regionalism. We strive to promote mutual learning among difference civilizations, so that they can incorporate and inspire each other and prosper respectively and together. We adhere to development as a priority, promote mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and share development opportunities and outcomes with all countries in the region. China and ASEAN have become important engines of world economic development, contributing over 40% to global growth.

Dear friends,

As one of the most successful regional cooperation organizations, ASEAN continues to improve its community building, steadily moves towards its integration goals. ASEAN has established the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation mechanism, actively expanded its global partnerships, and played a more and more important role in international and regional affairs. It can be said that ASEAN has become a powerful driver for economic integration and an important stabilizer for peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also a notable force in the rise of the Global South and for the reform of the global governance system. That’s why major countries and international organizations have increased their engagement with ASEAN in recent years, which makes East Asian cooperation even more dynamic.

At the same time, we must recognize that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with a more changing and turbulent international situation and a rapid transformation of the international order. In this world filled with turbulence and uncertainty, ASEAN community building and East Asian cooperation also face risks and challenges.

On one hand, ASEAN community building remains unbalanced. Particularly in the coming wave of the fourth industrial revolution, the disparities of development among its member states have hindered the regional integration process. It remains to be seen whether the emerging industries can bridge the development gap and drive the common sustainable development in the region or not . The Myanmar issue has not been solved until now. ASEAN has tried to play a mediating role and maintain unity, but made limited effects due to the complexities of Myanmar’s internal politics and external interference.

On the other hand, the Cold War mentality and geopolitical confrontation between major powers are resurgent. Certain country accelerates the implementation of its "Indo-Pacific Strategy", and even deploys strategic weapons such as the Mid-Range missile system in the region, which threaten regional peace and stability. Some countries also form exclusive “small blocs” like QUAD and AUKUS based on ideology and value, which intensifies confrontation in the region. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are intertwined. The spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continue to intensify. Some countries even drum up “Ukraine Today, East Asia Tomorrow”, and attempt to create an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO”, which increase the armed conflict risks in the region. Some non-regional countries, ignoring the efforts of China and ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, interfere with the South China Sea issue and increase tensions out of their own geopolitical strategies. I would like to emphasize that the South China Sea issue is not a matter between China and ASEAN. China has consistently committed to fully and effectively implementing the DOC and is actively advancing consultations on the COC. China will continue to work with parties directly concerned to properly manage differences through dialogue and consultation, jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea with ASEAN countries.

Furthermore, in the context of rising protectionism and “de-globalization”, certain country pursues so-called “decoupling” or “de-risking”, builds ”small yard, high fence”, and practices trade bullying. These behaviors obstruct the smooth regional industrial and supply chains, as well as the cooperation in emerging industries. They severely disturb the atmosphere for East Asian cooperation and challenge ASEAN centrality.

Against this background, the competition between unity or division, openness or closure, cooperation or confrontation is intensifying in the region. Different choices will lead us to different futures. When I communicate with my ASEAN colleagues, what is the most frequently discussed are peace, stability, development and cooperation. What they most hope for is pursuing true multilateralism, open regionalism, and inclusive development. What they are most concerned about is the risks of division and bloc confrontation. What they most oppose is that regional countries become “pawns” in geopolitical competition.

The themes of ASEAN Chairmanship also reflect the urgent desire for development. For example, Indonesia chose “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” in 2023, Lao PDR chose “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” in 2024, and Malaysia will focus on “Inclusivity and Sustainability” in 2025. It is self-evident which choice truly aligns with the interests and expectations of countries and people in this region, and which force moves against the historical trend.

China attaches great importance to ASEAN, regarding it as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy. Over the past decades, China and ASEAN have thrived together, forming a natural community of shared future. In the face of the current complex and rapidly changing environment, how to reduce risks and uncertainties to the greatest extent has become an important topic for all of us. China’s response to this question is very clear. We are committed to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We follow a neighborhood policy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and pursue friendship and partnership with our neighbors. We will continue to work with all countries in the region including ASEAN to maintain regional peace and stability, deepen friendly cooperation and common interests, and promote a closer community with a shared future for mankind.

Dear friends,

Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization. A few months ago, the Communist Party of China held the Third Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee, and adopted a comprehensive plan for further deepening reform across the board to advance Chinese modernization. More than 300 important reform measures were introduced at the meeting, which made a systematic layout for reform and opening up in various fields. Recently, President Xi Jinping attended the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the 19th G20 Summit, proposing to build an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation and build a just world of common development, which sent a strong signal that China will further expand its opening up. The institutional dividends, policy dividends, and opening up dividends from China’s further reforms will be released continuously. ASEAN countries are indispensable partners for China’s development and prosperity, and companions on China’s path to modernization. In this process, ASEAN-China relations will certainly gain more opportunities and achieve greater results.

First, there are opportunities for peaceful development. Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, with peace, development, and win-win cooperation being its characteristics. Chinese modernization requires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous neighboring environment. China will make unremitting efforts to create and maintain such an environment. China is willing to work with ASEAN to implement the Global Security Initiative, and jointly address traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region. China will work together with ASEAN to oppose Cold War mentality and all forms of confrontation, and create a sound environment for development of regional countries.

Second, there are opportunities for open cooperation. China and ASEAN, with a total population of 2 billion, share a massive market potential. This is the greatest foundation for fostering economic prosperity of both China and ASEAN. China is willing to prioritize market synergy as a key direction for our further cooperation, expedite the signing and implementation of the ASEAN-China FTA 3.0, and explore voluntary opening up to ASEAN countries, so as to build and share super-sized markets with ASEAN, drive East Asian economic integration and provide lasting momentum for our development.

Third, there are opportunities for green innovation. China is willing to work with ASEAN to embrace the opportunities presented by the new science and technology revolution and industrial transformation, and deepen cooperation in emerging areas such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green transition, as well as industrial alignment and regulatory development. China will join hands with ASEAN to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces and advance the digital transformation of traditional economies to provide enduring impetus for sustainable development.  

Fourth, there are opportunities for closer people-to-people ties. This year and next year are the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. China is willing to take this opportunity to implement the leaders’ consensus with ASEAN including the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges and strengthen cooperation in areas including culture, tourism, education and youth exchange. China will provide more opportunities for ASEAN youth to study in China, and sow the seeds of ASEAN-China friendship in the hearts of the next generation.  

Dear friends,  

Hong Kong is an international financial, shipping, and trade center. Located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is also an important hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, and a crucial hub connecting mainland China and ASEAN. ASEAN countries highly value Hong Kong's strategic location, traditional ties, and the enormous potential brought by its development within the Greater Bay Area. I also note that the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a strong emphasis on ASEAN. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen paid successful visits to ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretariat. Chinese Mission to ASEAN fully supports Hong Kong's efforts to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN in all areas, and foster new growth drivers for ASEAN-China relations.  

As everyone knows, RCEP has been in effect for nearly three years, and recently all parties reached consensus on the accession procedure of new members. As one of the most open economies in the world, Hong Kong is a crucial trade and investment partner of all RCEP members. In a few days, RCEP Support Unit will be established at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. Chinese Mission to ASEAN will maintain close communication and coordination with all parties to facilitate Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP.  

Dear guests,

This ASEAN-China Forum, hosted by CCCW, leverages resources from universities and think tanks to contribute ideas and proposals for peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region. It demonstrates a broad international vision and a deep sense of historical responsibility. On this occasion, I would like to pay my tribute to all of you for your active participation in and tremendous contributions to ASEAN-China relations over the years, and I look forward to hearing more of your valuable insights.  

Finally, I wish the forum great success.  

Thank you all!