10 October 2024, Vientiane – Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone presided over the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, attended by ASEAN leaders, H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China, and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as an observer. The meeting reviewed the progress and set the future direction for enhancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with the aim of strengthening connectivity and resilience for the shared benefit of ASEAN, China, and the global community.

The leaders of ASEAN and China expressed deep appreciation for the fruitful outcomes of ASEAN-China cooperation over the past 33 years, which span political-security, economic, and socio-cultural sectors. This partnership has significantly contributed to ASEAN Community-building efforts, as well as the common goal of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. Since 2008, China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for three consecutive years since 2020. At the summit, ASEAN and China jointly announced the substantive conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade negotiations, marking a milestone in their economic relationship.

In addition to the ACFTA announcement, the leaders adopted five key outcome documents: 1. ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Combating Telecommunication Network Fraud and Online Gambling; 2. ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges; 3. ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Promoting the Development of Smart Agriculture; and 4. ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Facilitating Cooperation in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem; 5. Joint Statement on the Substantial Conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations.

China remains one of ASEAN’s most important and active dialogue partners. ASEAN-China dialogue relations was first established in 1991, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2018, and further enhanced to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2021.