Kuala lumpur: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have reiterated their commitment to strengthening economic and free trade cooperation amid the current challenging times. At the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as the ASEAN Chair this year, emphasized the need to ensure peace and stability in the region by managing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. ASEAN has called for wisdom and prudence in handling the situation and welcomed progress on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

According to Thai News Agency, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of monitoring threats to the global trade system. He noted that the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 (ACFTA 3.0) later this year would be crucial in enhancing economic cooperation and resilience between ASEAN and China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of promoting a multi-polar world with equality and order. He advocated for inclusive and beneficial economic globalization and a more just international order. Wang expressed China’s intent to work with ASEAN countries to uphold Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusion, aiming to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

The 10-member ASEAN bloc is China’s largest trading partner, with trade in the first quarter of this year valued at 234 billion US dollars. Some ASEAN members have benefited from relocating their supply chains from China, though recent tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump have posed challenges.