Celebrating 70 Years of New China: Overview of ties between China and Southeast Asian bloc

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We now turn to our special series "New China", which explores how the country has expanded ties with other nations around the world. In today's edition, CGTN reporter Omar Khan takes a look at how relations have developed between China and the ASEAN community.

In the summer of 1991, China's then foreign minister Qian Qichen paid a visit to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. There, he took part in what would be the beginning of formal ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN. In 2012, China established its first resident Ambassador to ASEAN based in Jakarta, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.

DR. LIU CHUNSHENG CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF FINANCE & ECONOMICS "Relations between China and ASEAN have a long history. Geographically, the two neighbor each other, so economic, cultural and social exchanges have grown strong. And since the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area in 2010, total trade and investment has witnessed tremendous growth."

China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner over the past 10 consecutive years. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2019, the bloc became China's second-largest trading partner. Business exchanges are allowing both sides to benefit.

DAISY HUANG SENIOR MANAGER, DEZAN SHIRA & ASSOCIATES "So China will put more linkage between China and ASEAN countries. So in my view, more, closer trade and investment will happen between these two parties, as China sees an increase in its middle class. In other words, ASEAN countries will also provide low-cost products for China, so I think both parties can benefit."

ASEAN was originally established in 1967. It's comprised of several growing economies in Southeast Asia. These countries do business under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which is also expected to boost ties with China.

The two sides will meet this September in south China's city of Nanning for the 16th China-ASEAN Expo, a platform designed to boost bilateral trade ties.

DR. LIU CHUNSHENG CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF FINANCE & ECONOMICS "There's plenty of future potential between China and ASEAN, especially in the field of investment. And especially with China launching the Belt and Road Initiative, further business exchanges can be expected to be fulfilled."

OMAR KHAN GUANGZHOU, GUANGDONG PROVINCE "Earlier this year in April, China and the ASEAN bloc reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, across various fields. And while other parts of the world continue to witness growing divisions, perhaps what's happening here, is the right way forward. Omar Khan, CGTN, Guangzhou."