Her Excellency Hou Yanqi,
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN
His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn,
Secretary-General of ASEAN
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
As the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, it is a great honour and pleasure for me to extend, on behalf of the ASEAN family, our warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, on this joyous occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.
This milestone is a testament to China’s remarkable journey of progress, prosperity and global innovation. It reflects the resilience and determination of its people. Undeniably China continues to inspire and contribute meaningfully to global peace, development and prosperity.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past three decades, ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations have grown progressively, bringing tangible benefits to the everyday lives of our peoples. Built on mutual trust and shared interests, ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations which has spanned over 30 years, remains dynamic and comprehensive. Based on shared aspirations, we have continued to ensure that our cooperation continues to bring tangible outcomes that are mutually beneficial and advances ASEAN Community-Building.
China’s steadfast support towards ASEAN Community-Building, its respect for ASEAN Centrality and its active role in ASEAN-led processes reflect the depth of our friendship. ASEAN values this spirit of partnership, which goes beyond official meetings, to touch the lives of our peoples through trade, connectivity, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
ASEAN welcomes and deeply appreciates extensive cooperation undertaken through the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as the successful implementation of our current Plan of Action. With the implementation of the new ASEAN-China Plan of Action 2026–2030 on the horizon, we are confident that together we can achieve even greater cooperation that is practical, forward-looking and people-centred.
Economically, ASEAN and China enjoy a dynamic and resilient partnership. China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009. Since 2020, ASEAN and China, respectively have become each other’s largest trading partner. This is more than a mere statistic; it reflects how our peoples’ livelihoods are interconnected.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, we are pleased to witness the steady progress of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Premier Li Qiang’s participation in the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in May reaffirmed China’s recognition of ASEAN’s strategic importance. We also warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s participation in the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with China this July.
More recently, the finalisation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action 2026–2030 marks another important milestone in advancing our partnership. We look forward to the contribution of the implementation of the POA that will certainly contribute to ASEAN Community Building, including to support the realisation of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0, scheduled in October 2025, would indeed be timely. It comes at a time where economies around the world are facing challenges and economic cooperation becomes more and more essential. Through the agreement, ASEAN and China will be able to fortify our economic cooperation, unlock new opportunities and ensure that our peoples continue to reap the benefits of our partnership for many years to come.
We look forward to the participation of Premier Li Qiang at the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 28 October 2025 that will further solidify the ties between both sides.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we begin to prepare to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026, we look forward to making this milestone not just a commemoration, but a renewed pledge for the future.
Together, we can continue to foster stronger economic ties, enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. Most importantly, we share a responsibility to uphold peace, stability and cooperation in our region.
As the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is committed to working closely with all ASEAN Member States and China to advance ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. May the friendship between ASEAN and China continue to flourish regionwide, bringing strength and long-term prosperity to our peoples across generations.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this auspicious occasion, let me once again convey ASEAN Member States’ best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the people of the People’s Republic of China. May China continue to enjoy peace, prosperity and success in the years ahead.
Happy National Day!
Thank you.