KUALA LUMPUR: As the stage is set for the signing of the Asean-China Free Trade Area Upgrade 3.0 Protocol, this year is shaping up to be a transformative period for Asean-China relations, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
“It is a strategic step towards greater trade, investment and economic integration between our regions.
“It also reinforces our collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for our people,” Fadillah said at the opening of the Asean-China Media and Think Tank Forum 2025 here yesterday.
He called on all Asean countries to navigate emerging trade challenges with wisdom.
“Recent global trade measures, including new tariffs, underscore the need for resilient economic partnerships.
“As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia is committed to advancing a cooperative approach – one that promotes stability, fair and open markets, and shared values,” he said.
Also present at the forum were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Xinhua News Agency chief editor Lyu Yansong.
In this complex era, Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, noted that the media and think tanks play a pivotal role in bridging perspectives, informing policy and promoting regional harmony.
“This forum, therefore, serves as an essential platform to amplify Asean’s voice on the global stage, advocate for regional stability and expand maritime cooperation under the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
“Furthermore, it provides a timely opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties, ensuring our cooperation is not merely transactional, but built upon a foundation of mutual trust, cultural affinity and shared aspirations,” he said.
Fadillah also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing regional dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
“As we embark on this journey together, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a cohesive Asean-China partnership that will contribute to regional stability and global economic resilience.
“We are committed to making it a model of high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.
Lyu, in his speech, said the media and think tanks play a pivotal role in advancing China-Asean cooperation by advocating win-win partnerships, fostering closer people-to-people ties, and offering intellectual insights and policy recommendations.
“China and Asean should join hands to elevate media narratives, boost think tank research, embrace AI cooperation and deepen exchanges, paving the way for a shared future marked by peace, prosperity and mutual understanding,” he said. During the media forum, Wong said that free trade, once viewed as a driver of prosperity and integration, is now under scrutiny.
“What makes this moment more challenging is the profound uncertainty surrounding trade actions from the US administration,” he said.
He added that a stronger economic partnership between Asean and China would pave a crucial path to regional stability and growth amid escalating global trade tensions.
