The opening of China’s Pinglu Canal is creating new opportunities for ASEAN businesses seeking faster access to China’s vast inland consumer market, while also raising concerns that improved connectivity could accelerate the flow of competitively priced Chinese goods into Southeast Asia. The 134.2-kilometre waterway, which officially opened to navigation on Read more…
Economic ties between China and ASEAN are entering a deeper phase of integration as both sides work to bring the upgraded China–ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol into force, expanding cooperation beyond conventional merchandise trade into the digital economy, green development and regional supply-chain connectivity. China–ASEAN trade reached Read more…
As competition between the United States and China over artificial intelligence intensifies, ASEAN faces a critical strategic challenge: ensuring that Southeast Asia becomes more than a host for global AI infrastructure and develops sufficient technological capabilities to maintain control over its own digital future. In an analysis published by the Read more…
Economic ties between China and ASEAN are gaining significant momentum, with bilateral trade reaching 4.34 trillion yuan (approximately US$641 billion) in the first half of 2026, representing an 18.2% year-on-year increase. The strong performance highlights the growing integration of regional supply chains, expanding transport connectivity and deeper economic cooperation between Read more…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in China–ASEAN education cooperation, opening new opportunities for talent development, academic collaboration and digital innovation across the region. During the 2026 China–ASEAN Education Cooperation Week held in Guizhou Province from 28 July to 2 August, education leaders, university presidents and industry Read more…
ASEAN member states and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable urban development, quality housing and inclusive communities through the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2026. The three-day meeting, hosted by Malaysia in Ipoh, brings together ministers, senior government officials and policymakers to Read more…
Greater ASEAN unity and deeper regional cooperation are essential to unlocking the vast economic potential of the South China Sea, transforming one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions into a driver of sustainable growth, energy security and shared prosperity. According to experts, a collective ASEAN approach would enable Read more…
Thailand is reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading travel destinations through an expanded tourism partnership with China, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deepens collaboration with key Chinese travel industry stakeholders to stimulate visitor arrivals, diversify tourism offerings and promote sustainable growth. The initiative underscores the importance Read more…
China’s electric vehicle (EV) exports climbed to a record US$9.2 billion in May 2026, underscoring the rapid expansion of the global EV market and the growing importance of ASEAN as one of the industry’s fastest-growing destinations. The milestone reflects rising international demand for Chinese-made electric vehicles, with Southeast Asia emerging Read more…
Rising demand for Southeast Asian tropical fruits in China is driving the expansion of the China-ASEAN fruit trading hub in Guangxi, reinforcing the growing importance of cross-border agricultural trade between China and ASEAN. The China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Centre, located in Pingxiang City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has become a Read more…
