China calls for stronger regional cooperation at ASEAN+3 Summit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, economic integration, and innovation during his keynote speech at the 26th ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK (APT) Summit in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Addressing leaders including Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Premier Li highlighted the resilience of the APT framework, noting that it has withstood challenges from the Asian Financial Crisis, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. “The more difficult the situation, the greater the need for solidarity and cooperation,” Li said, underscoring the value of multilateral networks of friendship in fostering regional stability.

Premier Li stressed that APT countries share a “common home, common interests, and common opportunities,” pointing to Asia’s integrated economies and the recent growth of the region’s combined GDP from 24.7% to 27.6% of the global economy over the past decade. He described China’s economic trajectory as a driver of regional opportunity, noting that the country is on track to achieve an annual growth target of around 5% and is committed to advancing “high-quality development and Chinese modernization.”

Li also addressed the management of disputes, urging countries to “face the issues squarely, remove misunderstandings and keep differences in check.” He warned against bloc confrontations and a new Cold War, advocating for cooperation to safeguard peace and development in East Asia.

China’s three priorities for regional collaboration, according to Li, include:

1. Advancing regional economic integration – Leveraging trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to strengthen intra-regional trade and investment, including support for Hong Kong joining the pact.

2. Deepening industrial specialization and supply chain collaboration – Opposing decoupling and emphasizing economic complementarity among APT members, with proposals for an upcoming APT Forum on Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation.

3. Promoting science, technology, and innovation – Fostering cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, clean energy, and electric vehicles, while addressing regional concerns like Japan’s handling of nuclear contaminated water.

“APT countries are all members of the same East Asian family,” Li said, concluding with a call to build a stronger, more prosperous future together.

The summit comes amid a period of global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tension, with leaders exploring ways to boost regional resilience and collaboration.