At the annual ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined a bold vision for China-ASEAN cooperation, open markets and a reimagined South China Sea narrative. Against rising unilateralism and protectionism, Wang emphasized mutual support, unity and practical outcomes.
Revving Up China-ASEAN Trade 3.0
Wang highlighted three major achievements from the meetings:
- Free Trade Area 3.0: Negotiations completed and set for approval at the October leaders’ meeting.
- 5-Year Action Plan: Over 40 cooperative goals charted to drive pragmatic projects across trade, technology and sustainability.
- South China Sea Code of Conduct: Third reading done; consultations aim to wrap up by 2026.
These steps signal a deeper economic integration and a higher-level regional free trade network.
An Open Path Versus Protectionism
“Openness brings progress, while closure leads to backwardness,” Wang said, contrasting multilateral collaboration with high tariffs that disrupt global supply chains. China has extended zero-tariff access to least developed countries and Africa, setting a blueprint for cross-regional partnerships like the ASEAN-China-GCC summit.
Rethinking the South China Sea Narrative
Wang proposed shifting the South China Sea story from conflict to “peace, stability and cooperation.” By upgrading the Declaration on Conduct into an effective Code of Conduct aligned with international law, China and ASEAN aim to safeguard regional security and maritime trade routes.
With these milestones, Wang expressed confidence in the future of China-ASEAN relations—and invited partners to choose openness over division.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi praises China-ASEAN ties, urges openness amid U.S. tariffs
cgtn.com
