Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the strength of China-ASEAN cooperation and called for greater openness amid global economic challenges during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Attending the annual ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings, Wang highlighted the importance of unity in facing challenges such as unilateralism and protectionism.
Enhancing China-ASEAN Cooperation
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised the achievements of the meetings. He announced the completion of negotiations on version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, which is set to be submitted for approval and signing at the leaders’ meeting in October. This move signals a commitment to promoting regional economic integration and building a high-level regional free trade network.
Additionally, China and ASEAN have agreed on an action plan for their comprehensive strategic partnership over the next five years. The plan outlines over 40 goals for cooperation in various fields, providing a strong impetus for future collaboration.
Both parties also welcomed the progress on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, having completed the third reading of the draft text. They agreed to strive to complete consultations by 2026, aiming to reach a COC that is effective, substantive, and in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Advocating for Openness Amid Tariffs
Addressing concerns over U.S.-imposed tariffs, Wang Yi asserted that “openness brings progress, while closure leads to backwardness.” He emphasized China’s choice to embrace greater openness, noting it as both a key to China’s development and an inevitable trend of historical progress.
China has taken initiatives such as providing zero-tariff treatment for products from the least developed countries and the entire Africa, fully completing negotiations on the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and creating new models of cross-regional cooperation.
In contrast, Wang criticized the imposition of high tariffs on various countries as a violation of World Trade Organization rules, disrupting global production and supply chains, and hindering economic recovery.
Reframing the South China Sea Narrative
On the South China Sea issue, Wang Yi noted a distinct difference in perspectives between regional countries and those from outside the region. He proposed building a new narrative that associates the South China Sea with “peace, stability, and cooperation” rather than conflict.
China and ASEAN countries have agreed to upgrade the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by formulating a COC that is effective and consistent with international law. All sides aim to conclude the COC consultations as scheduled next year.
Wang also elaborated on China’s position regarding the arbitration case related to the South China Sea, highlighting serious flaws in the case concerning fact-finding and application of law.
