Leaders of ASEAN member states and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 28th ASEAN–China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has proposed strategic directions for progress in ties between ASEAN and China as he attended the 28th ASEAN–China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday. 

At the event, leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. They said that the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership remained a key pillar for peace and stability in the region, and one of ASEAN’s most dynamic partnerships.

ASEAN and China are currently each other’s largest trading partners, with total two-way trade reaching US$772.4 billion and China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN amounting to $19.3 billion in 2024. 

Both sides emphasised the need to advance deep economic integration and maintain their role as growth engines in the Asia-Pacific region. This includes the early ratification and effective implementation of ACFTA 3.0, strengthening high-quality economic, trade and investment links as well as fostering the region's industrial and supply chain connectivity.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance and value of multilateralism in maintaining and consolidating a peaceful, secure and stable environment. 

Highlighting that ASEAN and China share common interests and responsibilities in building a peaceful and stable East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) for cooperation and development, leaders committed to continuing dialogue and confidence building, resolving differences and disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They also aim to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and strive for an early conclusion of an effective, substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

In his remarks, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the need to further strengthen mutual strategic trust and promote key areas of cooperation with shared interests.

Proposing three strategic directions to advance ASEAN–China relations, Chính called for promoting smart, inclusive and sustainable connectivity, including the effective implementation of ACFTA 3.0; developing ASEAN–China infrastructure networks that are modern, green and sustainable; expanding smart border systems; and digitising logistics and immigration management to boost trade and people-to-people exchanges. 

He also stressed the importance of strengthening innovation as a new driver of breakthrough growth, expressing support for the joint initiative on advancing science, technology and innovation between ASEAN and China (2026-30) and a shared innovation network. 

The Vietnamese PM underlined that consolidating strategic trust and maintaining regional peace and stability were prerequisites for sustainable and inclusive development. 

ASEAN and China should make the East Sea a region of peace, stability, cooperation and development, fully and effectively implement the DOC and work toward an effective, substantive COC in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982, while harmonising the legitimate interests of all parties, he said. — VNS