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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China urges stronger ASEAN unity amid global uncertainty

China urges stronger ASEAN unity amid global uncertainty

Published Jul 22, 2026 03:04 pm

At A Glance

  • China called for closer solidarity with ASEAN to address growing global challenges and uncertainties.
  • Beijing said China and ASEAN should serve as an "anchor" for regional peace, development, and stability as they mark the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • China also highlighted expanding economic ties, people-to-people exchanges, and humanitarian cooperation with ASEAN.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (ASEAN 2026 PH)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (ASEAN 2026 PH)

China has called for closer solidarity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), saying stronger cooperation is needed to address growing global challenges and uncertainties while preserving regional peace and development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks as China and ASEAN mark the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which he said has delivered benefits to more than two billion people while contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 22, the Chinese diplomat said China is prepared to work more closely with ASEAN under the principles of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

"China will continue to act with ASEAN in the principle of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, to carry out even closer cooperation for the benefit of the people in this region, and to respond to emerging challenges and uncertainties with even stronger solidarity," he said.

Wang said China and ASEAN should "be the anchor for regional and global peace and development."

“The key is to follow the trend of peace and development of the world, and address deficits in peace, in development, in security, and in governance,” he said.

“The goal is to build a more just and equitable global governance system,” he added.

Economic cooperation

According to Wang, China and ASEAN have further strengthened their economic partnership with the official signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and by remaining each other's largest trading partner for six consecutive years.

He said two-way trade between China and ASEAN exceeded $1 trillion in 2025.

People-to-people ties

Wang also highlighted growing exchanges between China and ASEAN, saying both sides organized nearly 200 high-level and people-to-people activities during the Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He added that China has introduced an ASEAN visa to make travel and exchanges between the two sides "more convenient and frequent," further strengthening people-to-people ties.

“The journey our relationship has traveled shows again that mutual respect and mutual trust are the basis for good neighborliness,” Wang said.

“Sincerity is the way for cooperation. Mutual benefit is the foundation for us to get things done, and openness and inclusiveness are the key for prosperity. These are valuable experiences we've gained, and we should continue to carry them forward,” he added.

Humanitarian cooperation

Wang also cited China's disaster assistance following the earthquake in Myanmar and the earthquake in Mindanao as examples of the longstanding tradition of mutual support between China and ASEAN countries.

“[This shows] the fine tradition of standing side by side between China and ASEAN countries,” he said.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste's participation in the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting for the first time as an official ASEAN member, describing it as another milestone in regional cooperation.

Related Tags

Wang Yi PH-China ASEAN ASEAN-China ASEAN-China Free Trade Area
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