ASEAN Secretary-General Discusses Future of ASEAN-China Cooperation
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are prioritizing the deepening of economic ties and the expansion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) to boost regional growth. In recent interviews with CGTN and China.org.cn, the Secretary-General emphasized that these bilateral efforts remain central to the bloc’s long-term development strategy.
Expanding the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area
The primary focus of the current diplomatic engagement is the conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations. According to Kao Kim Hourn, this upgrade is designed to modernize trade protocols by focusing on emerging sectors, including the digital economy, green energy, and supply chain connectivity.
The Secretary-General noted that the upgrade is intended to ensure that the trade relationship remains relevant to the evolving global market. By integrating digital trade rules and sustainable development standards, both parties aim to reduce transaction costs and increase the flow of goods and services between the two regions. This initiative builds upon the existing framework of the ACFTA, which has served as a cornerstone of China-ASEAN commercial relations for two decades.
Regional Integration and Strategic Cooperation
Beyond trade, the ASEAN Secretariat is working to align its regional connectivity master plans with China’s infrastructure investment initiatives. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a critical tool for maintaining market access and stabilizing regional supply chains.
The Secretary-General stressed that ASEAN’s position remains centered on maintaining its “centrality” in regional architecture while fostering cooperation with major powers. The dialogue with Chinese media outlets emphasized that the partnership with Beijing is not exclusive, but rather a functional component of ASEAN’s broader effort to engage with all major economic partners to support post-pandemic recovery and technological transition.
Institutional Priorities for 2024 and Beyond
The discussions in Beijing underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation as pillars of the diplomatic relationship. Kao Kim Hourn identified the upcoming period as a phase for consolidating the gains made through the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The next phase of this cooperation remains subject to formal negotiations between the ASEAN Coordinating Council and Chinese representatives. No specific date has been set for the final signing of the ACFTA 3.0 agreement, as technical committees continue to review the regulatory frameworks for service trade and investment protections.