The China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ gathered in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2025 to strengthen strategic partnership, deepen regional cooperation, and advance shared development goals.
KUALA LUMPUR — The China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 10 July 2025. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the session alongside the representative of the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member states, ASEAN observers, and the ASEAN Secretary-General attended the high-level dialogue.
In his remarks, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to ASEAN as a cornerstone of its neighbourhood diplomacy and a priority region for building a community with a shared future for mankind. Stressing mutual support and collaboration, Wang Yi pledged that China would remain a trusted force for regional stability and a reliable partner in addressing shared challenges.
China outlined four strategic directions for cooperation. First, Wang Yi urged both sides to champion international fairness and uphold the multilateral order with the UN at its core. He reiterated China’s strong backing of ASEAN centrality within the regional architecture.
Secondly, he called for a united stand to safeguard peace and security in Asia. Highlighting the importance of avoiding geopolitical conflicts, Wang Yi proposed deeper collaboration on maritime environmental protection, navigation safety, and the early finalisation of a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. He also announced China’s readiness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone.
The third focus area emphasised mutually beneficial economic ties. Wang Yi proposed accelerating the upgrade to Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, enhancing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) cooperation, and expanding Belt and Road connectivity. He also highlighted future cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and green energy.
Finally, Wang Yi encouraged both sides to strengthen people-to-people ties and civilisational exchanges through education, youth programmes, think tanks, and media partnerships, fostering greater mutual understanding across Asia.
The ASEAN members welcomed China’s proposals, underlining that China remains one of ASEAN’s most vital and dependable partners. They expressed support for the practical cooperation initiatives. They look forward to the signing of the protocol to the Version 3.0 ASEAN-China Free Trade Area within the year and the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The meeting also endorsed 2026 as the “Theme Year for the 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, committing to a series of celebratory and action-oriented activities.
During his visit, Wang Yi also held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from participating countries to deepen ties and exchange views.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs People’s Republic of China
