KUALA LUMPUR: The foundation of the Asean-China Community of Shared Future can be anchored on existing cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, education and people-to-people ties, says Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan.
Abdul Majid highlighted that economic ties between Asean and China have grown steadily, with initiatives such as the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) expanding market access.
Collaborative infrastructure projects, including the China-Laos Railway and Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link, further enhance regional connectivity and support Asean’s Master Plan on Asean Connectivity (MPAC).
“Education and cultural exchanges through scholarships, joint academic programmes and cultural festivals have strengthened people-to-people ties.
"Cooperation on non-traditional security issues, such as climate change, public health and disaster management, also fosters collaboration,” he said during the Asean–China Dynamics in Building a Shared Future conference on Saturday (Nov 15).
Abdul Majid, at the conference, delivered the keynote address titled “Building a Community of Shared Future Between Asean and China”.
He added that since the formalisation of the Asean-China Strategic Partnership, both sides have made significant progress in realising the vision of a shared future.
Looking ahead, he said, deeper integration will depend on sustained policy coordination, alignment of development agendas and the promotion of mutual understanding to ensure the partnership remains resilient amid global uncertainties.
Abdul Majid also noted that Asean’s founding principles of unity, cooperation and prosperity provide a strong blueprint for the Asean-China vision.
“Asean’s experience in consensus-building, conflict management and open regionalism shows how dialogue and inclusive growth can maintain peace and stability,” he said.
He said through trade, investment, infrastructure, education and cultural exchanges, Asean has worked to create a shared future for its member states, and alignment with China’s vision provides a meaningful platform for deeper cooperation.
“Asean and China can continue to build bridges of understanding, expand the frontiers of cooperation, and nurture a community that embodies friendship, mutual respect and shared destinies,” Abdul Majid said, underlining the strong foundation between both sides for continued collaboration.
