China and ASEAN Strengthen Ties Through Urban Openness and Cooperation
In a critically important step toward fostering regional collaboration, mayors, representatives, and experts from China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for the “Global Mayors Dialog — Nanning.” The event, which opened on thursday, focused on the theme “Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation.”
The dialogue attracted participants from ASEAN nations, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Discussions centered on critical topics such as urban openness, economic cooperation, cultural integration, and shared experiences in urban governance.
Nong Shengwen, Party chief of Nanning, highlighted the growing economic ties between China and ASEAN, stating, “The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has grown increasingly close, with bilateral trade volume rising from over 600 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024.” He emphasized the deep integration of industrial,supply,and value chains between the two regions,underscoring the mutual benefits of this partnership.
Atsaphangthong Siphandone, governor of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of friendship in achieving regional stability and prosperity. ”We understand that friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security in a community that will work together to achieve stability,prosperity,and lasting development by encouraging openness and collaboration between cities,” he saeid.The event showcased the shared commitment of China and ASEAN to fostering urban development and addressing challenges through collective efforts.By leveraging their combined strengths, the two regions aim to create a model for sustainable growth and cultural exchange.
Key Highlights of the Global Mayors Dialogue
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation |
| Participants | Mayors, representatives, and experts from China and ASEAN countries |
| Key Topics | Urban openness, economic cooperation, cultural integration, urban governance |
| Trade Volume Growth | From $600 billion in 2019 to nearly $1 trillion in 2024 |
| Key Quote | “Friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security.” – Atsaphangthong Siphandone |
This dialogue marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between China and ASEAN,as both regions continue to explore new avenues for collaboration. By prioritizing urban openness and cooperation, they are laying the groundwork for a future defined by shared prosperity and mutual understanding.
For more insights into the ASEAN-China partnership, explore the ASEAN-China Extensive Strategic Partnership and its impact on regional development.
Strengthening China-ASEAN Ties: A Conversation on Urban Openness and Cooperation
In a meaningful step toward fostering regional collaboration, mayors, representatives, and experts from China and ASEAN countries recently gathered in Nanning, China, for the “Global Mayors dialogue – Nanning.” The event, centered on the theme “Building a China-ASEAN Community of Friendship: Urban Openness and Cooperation,” highlighted the growing economic and cultural ties between the two regions. Too delve deeper into the implications of this dialogue, we sat down with Dr. Li Wei, a renowned expert on China-ASEAN relations and urban development, to discuss the key outcomes and future prospects of this partnership.
the Meaning of the Global Mayors Dialogue
Senior Editor: Dr. Li, thank you for joining us. could you start by explaining why the Global Mayors Dialogue in Nanning is such a pivotal event for China-ASEAN relations?
Dr.Li Wei: Thank you for having me. The global Mayors Dialogue is a landmark event because it brings together key stakeholders from both China and ASEAN nations to address shared challenges and opportunities in urban development. This year’s focus on urban openness and cooperation underscores the importance of cities as hubs for economic growth,cultural exchange,and innovation. By fostering collaboration at the municipal level, China and ASEAN are laying the groundwork for a more integrated and prosperous regional community.
Economic Cooperation and trade Growth
Senior Editor: The dialogue highlighted the remarkable growth in trade between China and ASEAN, with bilateral trade volume nearing $1 trillion in 2024. What factors have contributed to this growth, and how can urban openness further enhance economic ties?
Dr. Li Wei: The growth in trade is a testament to the deepening economic integration between China and ASEAN. Factors such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative have played significant roles in facilitating trade and investment flows. Urban openness, especially in terms of infrastructure development and digital connectivity, can further enhance these ties by creating more efficient supply chains and fostering innovation. Cities like Nanning, which serve as gateways between China and ASEAN, are crucial in this regard.
Senior editor: Beyond economics, the dialogue also emphasized cultural integration and shared urban governance experiences. How do these aspects contribute to the broader China-ASEAN partnership?
Dr.Li Wei: Cultural integration is vital for building trust and mutual understanding between nations. By sharing best practices in urban governance, China and ASEAN cities can learn from each other’s successes and challenges. For instance, issues like sustainable urban planning, environmental protection, and smart city development are common concerns that can be addressed more effectively through collaboration. This exchange of knowledge not only strengthens bilateral relations but also sets a precedent for other regions to follow.
The Role of Friendship in Regional Stability
Senior Editor: Atsaphangthong Siphandone,the governor of Vientiane,emphasized that “friendship is the most valuable aspect of peace and security.” How does this sentiment resonate with the broader goals of the China-ASEAN partnership?
Dr. Li Wei: Governor Siphandone’s statement captures the essence of what makes the China-ASEAN partnership so unique. Friendship and mutual respect are the foundation of any lasting collaboration. In a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, fostering goodwill and trust is essential for maintaining stability and achieving shared prosperity. The emphasis on friendship at events like the Global Mayors Dialogue reinforces the idea that economic and political cooperation must be underpinned by strong interpersonal and cultural bonds.
Looking Ahead: The Future of China-ASEAN collaboration
Senior Editor: what are the key takeaways from this dialogue, and what can we expect from the China-ASEAN partnership in the coming years?
Dr. Li Wei: The key takeaway is that urban openness and cooperation are not just buzzwords—they are actionable strategies for achieving sustainable development and regional integration. Moving forward, we can expect to see more joint initiatives in areas like green technology, digital transformation, and cultural exchange. The success of this partnership will depend on continued dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for all.
For more insights into the ASEAN-china partnership,explore the ASEAN-China Extensive Strategic Partnership and its impact on regional development.
