Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, discussed strategic partnership plans and future collaborations during a working dinner on 9 January 2025
On 9 January 2025, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended a working dinner hosted by the Ambassador of China to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The gathering underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and China, focusing on advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The dinner provided an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on key initiatives and ongoing collaborations, particularly following the outcomes of the 27th ASEAN-China Summit held in October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Among the significant topics discussed was the development of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action (2026–2030), which will outline priority areas for cooperation in the coming years.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasised the significance of the partnership, which spans multiple dimensions, including economic collaboration, regional stability, and people-to-people connectivity. Ambassador Hou Yanqi reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN and supporting the region’s collective efforts in addressing pressing global challenges.
The event also celebrated the achievements of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has yielded substantial progress in areas such as trade, investment, digital transformation, and sustainable development. It further highlighted the shared vision of fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
This dinner marks a pivotal step towards finalising the ASEAN-China Plan of Action, which aims to enhance regional integration and cooperation in line with ASEAN’s centrality and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides expressed optimism about the enduring strength of their partnership and reiterated their shared commitment to advancing mutual goals for the benefit of the region.
Source: ASEAN
