Starting with 2025, China aims to deepen its collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through new frameworks and action plans. These plans focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting cloud computing, and enhancing AI governance.
Xu Chaofeng, Director-General of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s Department of International Cooperation, shared these plans in an interview with China Daily. The new five-year action plan prioritizes digital, intelligent, and green transformations, aiming to enhance policy communication, strengthen development consensus, and establish a new digital industry ecosystem.
These plans were developed in light of the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting and the 2nd China-Thailand Ministerial Dialogue on Digital Economy Cooperation, which took place in Thailand last week. Vice-Minister of Industry and Information Technology Zhang Yunming led a Chinese delegation to discuss recent developments, policies, and future plans for digital cooperation between both countries.
Building upon this foundation, digital infrastructure will remain a cornerstone of this partnership. China has made significant strides in improving the digital backbone of ASEAN through over 30 cross-border terrestrial optical cables connecting China to various markets in ASEAN.
To further enhance collaboration, China seeks to establish an Asian undersea cable association and computing power interconnection partnership. Xu emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure as the foundation for digital development and bridging the digital divide. Efforts to advance cooperation will focus on areas such as 5G, cloud computing, data centers, and IoT. AI is also a key area for deepening cooperation. Both parties are committed to promoting AI technology, standards, and governance for fair and equitable development among member states.
In order to facilitate collaboration, a China-ASEAN AI cooperation center will be established. This center will facilitate AI projects and digital transformation initiatives to ensure that AI development is based on equal rights, opportunities, and regulations for all nations. While digital infrastructure and technology are essential, collaboration also extends to enhancing digital skills and talent in the region. China’s achievements in digital innovation, especially in 5G and AI, complement the unique needs of ASEAN countries in sectors such as tourism and agriculture, creating opportunities for broader international collaboration.
Both China and ASEAN are committed to using digital technology to promote innovation and sustainable development. They embrace emerging technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and AI to leverage them for economic growth and social progress. This partnership strengthens digital connectivity and fosters a shared vision of a future characterized by digital transformation driving economic prosperity and social equality across the region.