China and ASEAN Celebrate 35 Years of Dialogue Relations

The Government of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated the 35th anniversary of their dialogue relations in July 2026. This partnership, which transitioned into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021, has evolved to make ASEAN China's largest trading partner.

Cooperation between the two parties currently centers on infrastructure development through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative. They are also engaged in ongoing negotiations to establish a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Both entities are now seeking to broaden their collaboration into the digital economy, artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, and the green economy.

Looking toward future governance, Singapore is scheduled to chair ASEAN in 2027. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the upcoming chairmanship will focus on elevating the organization's engagement with external partners, including China.