Beijing (VNA) – ASEAN–China relations remain among the bloc’s most dynamic and comprehensive partnerships, and amid rising risks and uncertainties, both sides must work to maintain the positive trajectory of cooperation, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh has said.
Addressing the High-Level Thematic Dialogue at ASEAN–China Week 2025 in Fujian on November 17, Ambassador Binh stressed that the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to expand in recent years, contributing to regional peace and stability.
He highlighted several priorities for the next phase of cooperation, urging both sides to translate high-level decisions and agreements into concrete, substantive actions; and step up joint responses to cybercrime, transnational crime and climate change. The diplomat called for China’s continued active participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms as well as efforts to promote rules-based behaviour.
The Ambassador also underscored the need to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, the digital and green economies, science and technology, innovation, human resources development, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while ensuring the effective implementation of the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol.
He proposed strengthening strategic connectivity, beginning with soft connectivity aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and China’s long-term development goals; upgrading transport infrastructure, especially rail and road links; establishing innovation networks and joint research facilities; and expanding cooperation on green technology and digital transformation.
Binh emphasised the importance of sustaining dialogue, building trust and realising the shared vision of peace, security and development; fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and working towards an effective, substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He also outlined Vietnam’s policies in the face of complex global developments, reaffirming the country’s consistent foreign policy of independence, peace, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, comprehensive and extensive international integration, and being active, responsible member of the international community.
Vietnam is advancing major institutional reforms, including streamlining the administrative apparatus and piloting a two-tier local government model, to generate momentum for a new stage of rapid and sustainable development. The country continues to push reforms, expand openness, and build an independent, self-reliant economy.
The country aims to become a nation with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045, with science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and the knowledge economy as key drivers. People remain at the centre of development efforts, with a focus on improving living standards, strengthening social welfare and developing high-quality human capital.
ASEAN–China Week 2025 spotlights key milestones in the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, serving as a platform for policy dialogue, practical cooperation and cultural exchange, while mobilising collective efforts toward a more cohesive ASEAN–China community.
At the opening ceremony, Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN–China Centre (ACC), said China and ASEAN should prioritise strategic alignment in development planning; uphold openness and integration for mutually beneficial cooperation; foster innovation-driven development and share scientific and technological gains; enhance policy coordination and mutual learning in governance; and utilise people-to-people exchanges to strengthen bonds between the two sides./.
