China proposes new initiatives of cooperation with ASEAN

China has unveiled new proposals to boost cooperation with ASEAN in key areas such as maritime cooperation, artificial intelligence, transportation, blue economy, women’s and children’s health, and the environment, towards strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.

The proposals were presented at the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation, co-chaired by Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Amran Mohamed Zin and China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, in China's Ningbo city on Thursday.

During the meeting, the Chinese side reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's community-building efforts and the bloc’s central role in regional affairs, emphasizing the priority China places on its relationship with ASEAN as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

Officials reviewed progress made in the implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action 2021-2025, noting significant achievements in the final year of its execution.

The consultation also outlined deliverables for ASEAN-China cooperation in 2025, including the signing of an upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA 3.0), the adoption of a new Plan of Action for 2026-2030, and the establishment of the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.

Senior officials exchanged views on pressing regional and international security concerns, including terrorism, human trafficking, illicit drug abuse, and cybercrime, underscoring the need for stronger cooperation in these areas.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from ASEAN member states, along with ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community Astanah Abdul Aziz, while Timor-Leste participated as an observer.

According to the ASEAN Secretariat, various projects and activities are planned and will be implemented in ASEAN member states and China to foster greater cultural and people-to-people connectivity.