CHINA BACKS MALAYSIA’S ASEAN LEADERSHIP, PRIORITISES ACFTA 3.0

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 21 (Bernama) -- China has pledged strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship, emphasising the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Protocol signing as a key priority for regional economic integration.

Ambassador of China to ASEAN, Hou Yanqi said Beijing fully endorses Malaysia’s theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, recognising the country’s leadership in advancing ASEAN-China relations.

“The signing of ACFTA 3.0 will be one of the priorities of bilateral cooperation this year,” he said at the ‘China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Salon’ here on Friday.

According to Hou, China has played an active role in the negotiations, proposing high-standard text in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity.

“China has actively supported ASEAN member states by organising capacity-building activities, dialogues, and workshops, helping them understand cooperation prospects in these fields,” she said.

Hou stressed that both sides have demonstrated strong political will to advance the agreement, which is expected to deliver comprehensive and mutually beneficial outcomes for over two billion people in the region.

Meanwhile, Beijing also reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN integration and narrowing development gaps within the region, particularly through the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as the largest sub-regional cooperation framework under ASEAN.

“China will step up investment in BIMP-EAGA, support Malaysia’s role within the area, and jointly implement cooperation projects outlined in the China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation Plan of Action (2020-2025),” Hou said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China as a development partner of BIMP-EAGA, and next year will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.

Amid global turbulence, Hou emphasised Beijing’s firm commitment to prioritising ASEAN in its neighbourhood diplomacy, reaffirming support for the bloc’s community building and its central role in the regional framework.

“We are ready to work with ASEAN to build the ‘Five Homes’ of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship,” she said.

Hou expressed confidence that joint efforts would lead to new milestones in the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, building a closer community with a shared future.

-- BERNAMA