JAKARTA, March 21 – China has reaffirmed its strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, identifying the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Protocol as a top priority to enhance regional economic integration.
Speaking at the China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Salon held here on Friday, China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Hou Yanqi, said Beijing fully endorses Malaysia’s chosen theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, and praised the country’s leadership in advancing ASEAN-China ties.
“The signing of ACFTA 3.0 will be one of the key milestones in our bilateral cooperation this year,” Hou said.
She noted that China has taken an active role in the ongoing negotiations, offering high-standard proposals in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green development, and supply chain connectivity.
“China has also supported ASEAN member states through capacity-building initiatives, policy dialogues, and technical workshops to help explore the full potential of cooperation in these areas,” she added.
Hou emphasised that both sides have demonstrated strong political will to push the agreement forward, which is expected to yield broad and mutually beneficial outcomes for over two billion people across the region.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of China’s role as a development partner of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), while next year will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Amid global uncertainties, Hou reiterated Beijing’s unwavering commitment to placing ASEAN at the heart of its neighbourhood diplomacy. She also reaffirmed China’s support for ASEAN’s community-building efforts and its centrality in the regional architecture.
“We are ready to work hand-in-hand with ASEAN to build the ‘Five Homes’ of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship,” she said.
Hou expressed optimism that continued collaboration would mark new milestones in the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering a closer community with a shared future.
— BERNAMA
