ASEAN, China adopt five important documents at summit in Laos
Leaders of ASEAN and China reviewed and determined the direction for implementing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to enhance connectivity and self-resilience, for the mutual interests of the ASEAN Community and China at their 27th summit held on October 10 in Vientiane, Laos.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (fifth, left), heads of ASEAN delegations and Chinese Premier Li Qiang take a group photo (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Leaders of ASEAN and China reviewed and determined the direction for implementing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to enhance connectivity and self-resilience, for the mutual interests of the ASEAN Community and China at their 27th summit held on October 10 in Vientiane, Laos.
During the event, ASEAN and Chinese leaders appreciated the results of cooperation between the two sides over the past 33 years in the fields of politics-security, economy and culture-society, as well as their contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community and the protection and promotion of peace, stability and cooperation. The summit also emphasised the importance of bilateral economic cooperation.
On this occasion, ASEAN and China jointly announced the conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade negotiations, marking a milestone in their economic relationship.
In addition, the leaders adopted five key outcome documents namely ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Combating Telecommဣunication Network Fraud and Online Gambling; ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation in People-to-People Exchanges; ASEAN-China Joint Sta💟tement on Promoting the Development of Smart Agriculture; ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Facilitating Cooperation in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem; and Joint Statement on the Substantial Conclusion of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations. China is one of ASEAN's important partners. ASEAN-China relations were established in 1991, upgraded to the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in 2003 and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021./.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on October 10 that significant progress has been made in the negotiations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim on October 11 received the ASEAN Chairmanship gavel from the Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane.
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and partners on October 11 attended the closing ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Vientiane, and the handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos to Malaysia.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
