Malaysia is hosting the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, widely seen as a new opportunity to deepen and expand the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA).

Both sides are accelerating efforts to upgrade to version 3.0 of the FTA, with a focus on the digital economy, green development, and supply chain cooperation.

Against a backdrop of rising global trade protectionism, many observers say it's increasingly important to promote regional cooperation.

CGTN spoke to Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, about the potential impact of this trilateral summit, achievements in China-ASEAN relations, and new directions for regional collaboration.