China pledges stronger strategic alignment with ASEAN, GCC members

It is ready to work with these countries to deepen regional integration, resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and continuously open up new prospects for common development, Li said while addressing the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

In the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism, staying committed to greater openness and the removal of barriers can unlock vast market opportunities and allow all countries to share in more substantial benefits through the joint development of a large and integrated market, he said.

Amid more moves toward decoupling and the erection of walls and barriers, staying committed to resource sharing and mutual empowerment can create opportunities for transformation and upgrading, as well as enhancing industrial efficiency and the momentum for sustainable development in all countries, he was cited as saying by a Chinese-state-controlled media outlet.

Strategically, China will focus more on expanding domestic demand and strengthening domestic circulation, continuously enhancing the intrinsic driving forces of the economy, the premier said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said ASEAN adheres to the principles of independence and self-reliance, and is committed to deepening its partnerships with China and the GCC, and reinforcing mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and investment to make greater contributions to regional and global prosperity and stability.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)