Chinese FM: ASEAN Plus Meetings Yield Positive Results
China-ASEAN Relations Reach New Heights: Free Trade, Strategic Partnership, and South China Sea code of Conduct Advance
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – July 13, 2025 – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a prominent member of the Political bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, provided a comprehensive overview of the robust advancements in China-ASEAN cooperation following his participation in the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Speaking to the media in Kuala Lumpur, Wang Yi highlighted the deepening strategic partnership and significant progress on key initiatives that underscore the shared commitment to regional stability and economic prosperity.
Key Milestones Achieved in China-ASEAN Cooperation
The meetings saw the confirmation of several critical outcomes, reinforcing the strong bond between China and the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) amidst a global landscape marked by unilateralism and protectionism. Wang Yi emphasized the mutual desire for support, unity, and collaborative efforts to navigate contemporary challenges.
Version 3.0 of China-ASEAN Free Trade area finalized
A landmark achievement announced was the completion of negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA). This upgraded agreement is slated for submission for approval and signing at the leaders’ meeting in October. This progress signifies a continued commitment to advancing regional economic integration and the establishment of a high-level regional free trade network, promising enhanced trade and investment opportunities for all member states.
Five-Year Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Adopted
Further solidifying the bilateral relationship, china and ASEAN have agreed upon an action plan for their comprehensive strategic partnership covering the next five years. This forward-looking plan outlines over 40 specific goals for all-round cooperation across a multitude of sectors. The adoption of this plan is expected to inject significant momentum into pragmatic cooperation, paving the way for deeper collaboration and mutual development in the coming years.
Progress on South china Sea code of conduct
In a crucial step towards maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, both sides welcomed the completion of the third reading of the draft text for the Code of Conduct (COC). China and ASEAN have committed to striving for the completion of consultations within 2026, aiming to establish an effective, substantive, and internationally recognized COC that aligns with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This initiative is poised to provide a stronger framework for managing maritime disputes and ensuring regional security.
Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to building a community of shared future with its neighboring countries, actively promoting their modernization.He noted the overwhelmingly positive reception from ASEAN member states regarding the comprehensive strategic partnership, with China being recognized as ASEAN’s most crucial dialogue partner.
“China-ASEAN cooperation is the most energetic and fruitful example in the Asia-Pacific region,” Wang Yi stated, expressing full confidence in the future trajectory of China-ASEAN relations. The ongoing collaboration serves as a powerful testament to the benefits of multilateralism and strategic alignment in fostering a prosperous and stable Asia-Pacific.