Editor's note: Xin Ge, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate professor at the School of Public Economics and Administration, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, the capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on September 17.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries are situated at the nexus of the "Belt and Road" on both land and sea, rendering them a crucial region for the high-caliber development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposal to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future and jointly construct the BRI. Additionally, it marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The theme of this year's expo and summit is "Work Together for a Harmonious Home and a Shared Future – Promoting High-Quality Development of the Belt and Road and Building an Epicentrum of Growth," which closely aligns with the post-pandemic economic recovery trend and the integration of industrial chains, aiming to propel economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN through a series of measures.

The trade relations between China and ASEAN have undergone a stable upgrade, as evidenced by China's continued position as the largest trading partner of the ASEAN for a period of 14 consecutive years. Moreover, both parties stand out as each other's largest trading partner for three consecutive years. The bilateral trade volume peaked at $975.3 billion, witnessing an impressive year-on-year growth of 11.2 percent. This figure represents a significant expansion of 1.2 times of the trade volume of $443.6 billion recorded in 2013.

This year's expo has been strategically centered around crucial domains of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, with a particular emphasis on the digital economy and green economy. The expo fosters the engagement of businesses operating in emerging sectors, including new information technology, new energy, new materials, and high-end equipment manufacturing.

Notably, the exhibition has drawn nearly 2,000 businesses from 45 countries and regions, including 350 Fortune 500 companies, China's top 500 companies, and other renowned enterprises. The number of exhibitors has increased significantly, compared to its inaugural year in 2004 when there were 1,505 participating enterprises from the 10 ASEAN member states.

Over the past two decades, the China-ASEAN Expo has yielded bountiful results, with each year witnessing noteworthy accomplishments. In 2014, the expo introduced a mechanism for inviting cooperative partners, which in turn saw countries like Australia and South Korea consecutively assume the role of invited partners. The 14th China-ASEAN Expo in 2017 debuted the inaugural "Belt and Road" exhibition area. In 2022, the exhibition blazed a pioneering path by establishing a premium exhibition area for ASEAN and countries which signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, offering a comprehensive platform for showcasing their distinctive products.

After holding the annual China-ASEAN Expo for nearly two decades, the bilateral symbiotic relationship has transcended the realms of trade in goods, services and investments, with fruitful collaborations spanning across the spectrum of international capacity cooperation, the development of transnational industrial parks, and exchanges in multifarious fields like artificial intelligence, the internet, ports, and education.

In his speech, Chinese Premier Li emphasized the significance of building a closer China-ASEAN community based on the four principles outlined by President Xi Jinping as the pillars of China's foreign policy: amity, sincerity, benefit, and inclusiveness.

Firstly, Premier Li highlighted that fostering a spirit of amity is crucial in deepening relations between China and ASEAN. China is committed to expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, training, and youth exchange. Through these efforts, China aims to continuously foster mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples.

He also emphasized the importance of sincerity in China-ASEAN interactions. China remains dedicated to fulfilling its commitments and engaging in cooperative endeavors across various sectors with ASEAN member states. Furthermore, China steadfastly adheres to the fundamental state policy of openness, endeavoring to create a favorable business environment that instills peace of mind, confidence, and comfort for investors from all countries.

Furthermore, Premier Li underscored the shared interests between China and ASEAN. China is resolute in increasing imports of high-quality and distinctive products from ASEAN countries, while simultaneously enhancing regional connectivity. The objective is to construct a more stable and efficient regional industrial and supply chain based on comparative advantages.

Lastly, China embraces an inclusive and open approach. China is committed to supporting the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation framework and the high-quality implementation of initiatives such as the BRI, which could further promote regional economic integration.

Through the collective efforts of all parties involved, it is evident that China-ASEAN relations have reached unprecedented heights, not only demonstrating remarkable success in the Asia-Pacific cooperation but vividly exemplifying the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

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