China-ASEAN Relations: Global mayors dialogue takes China-ASEAN cooperation to a new level
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The Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanning, together with its Nanning Initiative and parallel dialogues, has further enhanced the relationship between China and ASEAN. That was the consensus from government officials who attended the event in South China. Our reporter Zheng Songwu has the story. 

One mainstay conference and two parallel dialogues were held during the Global Mayors Dialogue this year. Officials from China and ASEAN released the Nanning Initiative. Representatives from China and ASEAN also exchanged ideas on the promotion of common prosperity through cultural and tourism cooperation, and on deepening practical economic and trade between cities.

ZHENG SONGWU, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region "The mayors dialogue has enhanced further cooperation between cities in China and ASEAN, and it also lays a solid foundation for the promotion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, which has the largest population among free trade zones worldwide."

Since it was established, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has benefited 2 billion people. Trade volume between China and ASEAN countries increased from 120 billion USD in 2004 to over 980 billion USD in 2024. China also has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for fifteen consecutive years, with Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia being China's top three trading partners.

AHMAD PHADIL ISMAIL, Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia "In the year 2025, we are looking forward to solidifying the relations in terms of the regional. So we look forward to working with China as one of the dialogue partners of ASEAN, to take advantage of China's status as one of the economic powerhouse to bring stability to the region."

China and ASEAN advanced trade negotiations in October 2024, including upgrades to future digital economy cooperation.

BUNDAN SATHIRACHAWAL, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani, Thailand "Therefore, to ensure that tourists have an enjoyable experience, we need to focus on communication, public signage, and payment systems. For instance, I've used Alipay here, and if Thailand can develop a more convenient, fair, and cost-effective payment system, I believe this visit will be worthwhile."

Nanning has bridged China and ASEAN through expos and mayors dialogues, and the two sides have proved that free trade and mutually beneficial market cooperation are essential. Zheng Songwu, CGTN, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region."