The 10-nation Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is looking to deepen neighborly ties with China and advance the Chinese-proposed concept of a community of shared future to improve global governance, said experts in Malaysia.
On a special China Global Television Network (CGTN) program "Power of Ideas: A China-ASEAN Dialogue," Koh King Kee, president of the Center for New Inclusive Asia, a non-government Malaysian think tank, underscored that ASEAN countries should continue to strengthen bilateral economic and people-to-people exchanges.
"I think the community of shared future is a concept promoted by China for global governance. It is interesting that of late Beijing has promoted this idea of a good neighborhood policy, more recently. ASEAN, of course, is a very close neighbor. ASEAN countries are very close neighbors of China, and we have a very long historical relation, and we are close in terms of economic and as well as people-to-people bond," Koh said.
Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific, emphasized that the current global dynamics have created an opportune moment for promoting the concept of a community with a shared future.
"So far, to my understanding, there are eight out of 10 ASEAN member states (that) have endorsed the partnership of a community with a shared future with China. At this juncture, perhaps it is good for us to explore the possibility of fostering such a partnership, which is very timely," Ong said.
China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for the past five years.
ASEAN countries see "timely" exploration of deeper ties with China: experts
