China's foreign exchange reserves totaled 3.3464 trillion U.S. dollars at the end of November 2025, up by 3 billion U.S. dollars or 0.09 percent, compared to the end of October, official data showed Sunday.
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange attributed this increase to the combined impact of currency translation and changes in asset prices.
Influenced by factors such as macroeconomic data and monetary policy expectations of major economies, the U.S. dollar index declined in November, while global financial asset prices experienced mixed movements, the administration noted.
Supported by a steady economy, China remains well-positioned to maintain the overall stability of its foreign currency reserves, the administration said.
China's foreign exchange reserves rise in November
The global energy crunch and its impacts on Southeast Asia are driving efforts to link the power grids of ASEAN member states, with officials and analysts saying the push could strengthen energy security and accelerate the shift to renewables.
For decades, the idea of an interconnected ASEAN power grid has been on the regional agenda. The current crisis in the wake of wars in Iran and other Gulf states has added urgency, highlighting both the region's diverse energy resources and its vulnerabilities.
Some countries in the region have abundant natural gas or hydropower, others hold vast solar potential, while countries like Singapore rely almost entirely on imports. Even power-producing nations at times face shortages, making cross-border supply an attractive solution.
"It will help us to strengthen our energy security. And of course, a diversified and cheaper supply of energy will boost our regional economic integration and economy. So I think everyone benefits from this," said Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodian National Assembly Advisory Council.
Malaysia, as ASEAN chair last year, pressed for stronger commitments. Analysts say the current crisis is sharpening focus on the issue.
"It is definitely a wake-up call. It acts as a catalyst. It is also our hope that the Philippines, as the chair of ASEAN this year, and given the circumstances that we are in today with the global energy crisis and the global supply crisis, that this agenda is put at the forefront of the ASEAN discussion," said Amir Fareed Raheem, geo-economist at KRA Group, an ASEAN-focused public affairs and political risk consultancy.
Even as the idea gains momentum, major challenges remain ahead in terms of agreeing on regulations, technical standards and pricing. Further out still are the more ambitious proposals, such as undersea cables to transmit hydropower from northern Malaysia to Singapore and beyond.
Despite the lingering questions, tangible progress is being made. Since 2022, a flagship pilot project has enabled hydropower from Laos to flow through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore. An agreement signed earlier this year will double its maximum capacity.
"Eleven countries, [with] different systems, different pricing mechanisms. It has to be tested in smaller groupings first before it is scaled up to the whole ASEAN operating system," said Raheem.
With countries striving to expand renewable energy and the crisis straining supplies, consensus is building to move the ASEAN power grid from long-standing aspiration to practical reality.
ASEAN power grid integration gathers pace amid energy crisis
