Connectivity driving China-ASEAN shared prosperity

Cross-border transportation connectivity is a "bridge" for strengthening people-to-people exchanges between China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This year's May Day holidays saw a large number of passengers traveling on the China-Laos Railway. Since it opened in 2021, the railway has made it easier for the Chinese and Lao people to study, tour and do business in each other's country. It also stands as a successful example of how China and its neighbors are joining hands to achieve modernization through extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

High-speed railways serve as a "golden business card" for China's manufacturing sector, and have helped enhance the global recognition of China's "soft power" and culture. A typical example is the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway built by Chinese companies, which has already carried over 15 million passenger trips. The railway is a vivid embodiment of the win-win cooperation between China and Indonesia.

China and ASEAN countries are also building a "cultural community" through joint efforts such as applying for the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition.

One example is the Wangchuan, or Wangkang, ceremony celebrated in both China and Malaysia. In 2020, the two countries jointly secured its inclusion in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. Such initiatives help China and ASEAN countries preserve shared folk memories and strengthen mutual understanding between their peoples.

The recent conflict in the Middle East has prompted ASEAN countries to reassess the strategic significance of the four global initiatives proposed by China. The conflict has also made ASEAN nations realize the importance of upholding international rules, the postwar international order, free trade and multilateralism.

The energy crisis triggered by the conflict has strengthened ASEAN countries' willingness to cooperate with China on energy. Both sides can take this opportunity to explore a new framework for energy cooperation and strengthen the foundation of a community with a shared future between China and its neighboring countries.

China and ASEAN countries should jointly advocate the new security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. They should unambiguously oppose strengthening military alliances and playing zero-sum games in the region. Effective cooperation is also needed to address non-traditional security threats such as terrorism and cross-border telecommunications fraud.