At the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit held on May 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This landmark summit, themed “Synergizing Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity,” brought together heads of state, senior officials, and secretaries-general from ASEAN and GCC member nations, as well as observers, marking a significant trilateral diplomatic development.
Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need for mutual respect, equal treatment, and enhanced coordination of macroeconomic policies among the three blocs. In his keynote address, Li pointed to long-standing ties between China, ASEAN, and GCC countries, framing the summit as a historic step toward greater regional and global cooperation. He noted that amid growing global instability and economic challenges, deeper ties between these regions could serve as a model of resilience and shared growth.
Li called on participants to view this summit as an opportunity to build a new paradigm of collaboration—one rooted in openness, inclusivity, and a convergence of civilizations. He encouraged enhanced connectivity and cooperative frameworks that transcend economic partnership to include cultural and developmental exchanges. According to Li, this trilateral alliance should serve as a prototype for global cooperation by integrating nations at different stages of development and promoting a more balanced international order.
China expressed a strong interest in collaborating with ASEAN and GCC nations on high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. This includes infrastructure investment, trade facilitation, and cooperation in emerging sectors like green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. Premier Li also promoted the idea of a shared digital transformation journey, with an emphasis on technological and environmental sustainability.
Another key focus of the summit was boosting people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and trust. Cultural diplomacy, educational cooperation, tourism, and workforce development were highlighted as pillars of long-term friendship among the three regions. Premier Li stressed that sustained engagement between civil societies is essential for building a truly interconnected and peaceful regional order.
In conclusion, the summit marked the beginning of a new chapter in trilateral relations. All participating leaders expressed their readiness to elevate cooperation through joint initiatives, with a strong focus on multilateralism, economic integration, and regional stability. The outcome of this summit is expected to not only fortify ties between China, ASEAN, and the GCC but also provide a cooperative model that could shape global diplomacy and economic governance in the years ahead.
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