Embracing The ‘Asian Moment’

A logo of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting seen in Bangkok, Thailand, November 11, 2022. (WANG TENG)

The 17th Group of 20 (G20) Summit took place in Bali, Indonesia, in mid-November, followed by the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, ushering in an “Asian moment” in global governance. Invited by leaders of both countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended both meetings and made a state visit to Thailand.

China considers ASEAN a top priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, President Xi held talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo after the two leaders witnessed the trial run of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative, on live video. Xi’s state visit to Thailand marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Thailand brought bilateral ties to new heights.

Enhanced cooperation between China and ASEAN is highly signifciiant for global economic recovery. Today, global governance is facing mounting challenges that threaten peace and global economic stability. Addressing such challenges to achieve stronger, greener, and more inclusive development was the focus of the two events. As important developing economies, China and ASEAN will continue to deepen cooperation and work together to contribute Asian wisdom and Asian solutions.