Humprey Arnaldo Russel, head of the ASEAN–China Research Center at the University of Indonesia, emphasizes China's vital role in ASEAN's economic resilience since becoming its largest trading partner in 2009. He recalls China's decision not to devalue the yuan during the Asian financial crisis in late 1990s, which spared ASEAN nations from further turmoil, embodying the principle that a friend in need is a friend indeed. He also underscores China's vision of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, advocating for trust-building and regional unity.