By Hasan Muhammad

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.

In a time when the global economy struggles to regain its footing, the partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) offers a quiet but powerful example of what steady cooperation can achieve. While many regions wrestle with sluggish growth and rising protectionism, China and ASEAN continue to deepen their economic ties with purpose and consistency.

The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, unfolded in Nanning on September 18, 2025, made that point clear. With over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries participating, the event highlighted not just trade and investment, but a broader vision of shared development. The theme this year, "Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development," reflected a growing emphasis on technology, sustainability, and regional integration. It also marked the conclusion of negotiations for Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, a major step forward in aligning rules and expanding cooperation into digital and green sectors.

The numbers behind this relationship are striking. ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, while China has topped ASEAN's list for sixteen. From January to August 2025, bilateral trade reached 4.93 trillion yuan - about 694 billion dollars - up nearly 10 percent from the previous year. That's not just impressive growth; it's a sign of how closely these economies are now linked. Even as global supply chains face pressure from inflation and geopolitical tensions, trade between China and ASEAN continues to grow, supported by upgraded agreements and a shared commitment to openness.

Infrastructure has played a central role in this progress. Projects like the China-Laos Railway have reshaped how goods and people move across the region. In the first half of 2025, the railway carried more than ten million passengers and moved over twelve million tonnes of freight, a 26 percent increase from the previous year. Its reach now spans 19 countries, connecting Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar with 31 Chinese provinces. It's more than a railway; it's a lifeline for commerce and development.

Trade and investment flows have followed this foundation. In 2024, China's trade with five ASEAN countries - Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore - each exceeded 100 billion dollars. Vietnam and Malaysia alone surpassed 200 billion. Vietnam's exports to China have shifted from raw materials to finished industrial goods, showing a more advanced manufacturing base. Chinese investment in Vietnam reached 4.7 billion dollars last year, making China the country's third-largest investor.

The "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative with Malaysia offers a glimpse into how this partnership is evolving. By the end of 2024, the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park had generated nearly 15 billion dollars in output, while its counterpart in Kuantan crossed the 100 billion yuan mark. These parks have created jobs, built industries, and facilitated the transfer of skills and technology. They're proof that cross-border collaboration can deliver real, lasting benefits.

Now, with the upcoming signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0, the relationship is poised to enter a new phase. The original agreement in 2010 focused on reducing tariffs. The 2015 upgrade expanded market access. This latest version goes further, addressing digital economies, green development, and supply chain resilience. It's a shift from simply lowering barriers to aligning rules and standards, making it easier for businesses to operate across borders.