ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, underscored the strategic importance of strengthening the partnership between ASEAN and the People’s Republic of China in ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. The statement was made during his courtesy meeting with the China Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi, in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 15.
The meeting followed up on discussions from the recent ASEAN–China Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) held last week in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides focused on concrete actions to deepen ASEAN–China cooperation across economic, trade, and regional security sectors.
“The ASEAN–China partnership is one of the main pillars supporting political stability and economic growth in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is fully committed to the implementation of collaborative programs that directly benefit ASEAN’s people,” said Minister Sugiono.
Minister Sugiono and Ambassador Hou discussed the upcoming implementation of the ASEAN–China Plan of Action 2026–2030, as well as preparations for the signing of the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 during the ASEAN–China Summit in October. They also expressed support for expanded collaboration under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework.
“We hope China will continue to play a leading role in driving inclusive and forward-looking regional economic integration,” Minister Sugiono added.
On the same occasion, Minister Sugiono expressed appreciation for China’s commitment to signing the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without reservation. This move is seen as a significant contribution to long-term peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
China has been ASEAN’s comprehensive strategic partner since 2021 and has maintained its position as ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
These achievements highlight the growing strategic relevance of the ASEAN–China partnership in shaping the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. (AT Network)
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