ASEAN-China Dialogue Focuses on 15th Five-Year Plan & Cooperation Opportunities
BEIJING – Diplomats from across Southeast Asia gathered at the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi in Beijing on Friday for a dialogue focused on understanding the implications of China’s latest Five-Year Plan, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) announced.
The “Dialogue for a Better Understanding of China” event, hosted by the ACC, aimed to brief envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the key outcomes of China’s recent “Two Sessions” – the annual meetings of the country’s top legislature and political advisory body – and the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Approximately 60 participants attended, including ambassadors from Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand, alongside representatives from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Xiaomi Corporation.
Secretary General of the ACC, Shi Zhongjun, emphasized the significance of 2026, noting it marks the beginning of both China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the first year of implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) (2026-2030). He also highlighted that this year is the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China CSP. According to Zhongjun, the Two Sessions and the adopted Five-Year Plan offer “greater certainty and confidence into a turbulent world” and present opportunities for deepened ASEAN-China cooperation.
Jaime A. FlorCruz, the Philippine ambassador to China, expressed gratitude to the ACC for facilitating a better understanding of China’s strategic direction. He noted that the priorities outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan – including industrial self-reliance, technological advancement, and economic resilience – resonated with ASEAN member states. FlorCruz stated that ASEAN is prepared to be a “steady partner” in China’s pursuit of its new five-year goals.
The Philippines currently holds the ASEAN chair for 2026, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). FlorCruz affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the principles of amity and cooperation while navigating regional challenges and working towards shared prosperity with China and other ASEAN members.
Presentations by Dr. Xu Liping from the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Dr. Ma Xiaofang from the Department of Economics, National Academy of Governance, detailed the 15th Five-Year Plan. They highlighted China’s achievements in economic development, technological innovation, and investment, and emphasized the plan’s focus on building five key systems: economic development, innovation-driven growth, people’s well-being, green and low-carbon development, and security guarantees. The plan is expected to spur new opportunities in the digital, green, and tourism economies, and bolster the Belt and Road Initiative.
Discussions among ASEAN diplomats, Chinese experts, and a representative from Xiaomi covered topics including artificial intelligence, environmental protection, innovation incentives, and collaboration in high-end industrial chains. The China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Forum is scheduled for 2026, as is the release of a China-ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology and Innovation for the Future (2026-2030), according to a list of commemorative activities released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.