Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Geo-Politics and Global Multipolar Framework: Shared Prosperity for ASEAN and China

ASEAN’s commitment to shared prosperity and high-quality development strengthens ASEAN Centrality in navigating evolving geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. The ASEAN-China Strategic Relationship Forum, held at Sunway University, Malaysia, on 17–18 September, brought together academics, policymakers and researchers to examine key opportunities and challenges shaping regional cooperation.

With a combined GDP of nearly USD 4 trillion, ASEAN is the world’s fifth-largest economy and contributes significantly to global economic growth. Cooperation with China remains central to ASEAN’s trade, investment and development agenda. ASEAN-China bilateral trade reached approximately USD 1 trillion in 2025, demonstrating the depth and resilience of their economic relationship. China also remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner, highlighting the importance of these regional economic linkages.

The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and its upgrade to ACFTA 3.0 provide important frameworks for strengthening regional production and value chains, particularly in the green economy, digital transformation and connectivity. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) further strengthens ASEAN’s integration with major regional economies. Moving forward, deeper ASEAN-China cooperation in trade, investment, green development, innovation, regional connectivity and peace will be essential to building resilience and advancing sustainable, inclusive and mutually beneficial prosperity across the region.