Neighborhood trip will help consolidate regional community with a shared future

People buy small commodities from a Vietnamese vendor (on a motorcycle) in Dongxing, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Jan 8. [Photo by Zhang Ailin/Xinhua]

This is an editorial from China Daily.

Against the backdrop of rising global uncertainties, including aggressive unilateralism and protectionism, China's continuing advocacy for a shared future with neighboring countries demonstrates its unwavering support for multilateralism and economic globalization.

At a recent central conference on work related to neighborhood diplomacy, President Xi Jinping outlined China's approach to fostering ties with its neighbors based on the Asian values of peace, cooperation and openness. Emphasizing the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusivity, he reiterated China's commitment to cultivating a community with a shared future among neighboring nations.

President Xi's state visits to three ASEAN nations from Monday to Friday highlights China's commitment to constructive engagement with neighboring countries and underscores the paramount importance China places on fostering strong ties with them. As Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, said, the visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, hold profound significance not just for the advancement of China's relations with the three nations themselves, but also with the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations community.

Xi's milestone visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. It not only highlights the enduring friendship between the two nations but also presents a timely opportunity for the leaders of the two countries to deepen mutual trust and enhance bilateral cooperation across various domains.

Since 2004, China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner, a relationship that culminated in 2016 when Vietnam emerged as China's foremost trading partner within ASEAN. The bilateral trade volume between the two nations had surged to a historical high of over $260 billion in 2024, and China has become Vietnam's first trading partner with whom its volume of trade has surpassed $200 billion.

Both socialist nations, China and Vietnam are actively engaged in reform and opening-up initiatives tailored to their unique circumstances. Strengthening their relations serves the interests of both countries and their people, paving the way for increased collaboration and knowledge exchanges that will bolster their reform efforts.

President Xi's previous state visit to Vietnam in late 2023 laid the groundwork for a strategic partnership aimed at building a shared future between the two nations, heralding a new chapter in their bilateral relations. The heads-of-state dialogue has fostered a climate of trust and provided essential political guidance for multifaceted exchanges between the two countries, with China emerging as a primary source of tourism for Vietnam, underscoring the vast potential for diversified collaboration.

Xi's visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Cambodia, are indicative of the strong emphasis China puts on fostering positive relationships with its neighbors, a commitment that is reflected in tangible actions and collaborations to translate the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness into meaningful cooperation.

It is acknowledged that disagreements between some of the ASEAN members and China do exist, and that addressing historical issues and immediate conflicting interests requires careful handling. But what is also acknowledged is the principle of harmony is essential for nurturing a cohesive and prosperous regional family. By steadfastly upholding the vision of a shared home, adhering to the objective of fostering a community with a shared future, and practicing equal-footed consultation alongside mutual understanding and accommodation, China and ASEAN are making the resolution of differences and the pursuit of mutually beneficial outcomes achievable goals.

But there are those from outside the region who wish to create discord rather than harmony. Through the formation of exclusive military and security alliances and the exploitation of the territorial disputes, their aim is to further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region. These external interventions are intended to heighten tensions. It is imperative that all regional stakeholders prioritize the interests and aspirations of their people and pursue strategies that are cooperative, comprehensive and sustainable.

Upholding ASEAN's status as a zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality, respecting established regional agreements such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and supporting an open and inclusive regional framework centered on ASEAN are crucial steps. As are strengthening mutual trust through dialogue and fostering security through collaboration.

Since President Xi initiated China's neighborhood diplomacy based on amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, collaborative efforts with neighboring nations have opened new avenues for neighborly relations and friendship, showcasing distinctively Asian approaches to harmonious coexistence. China remains committed to being ASEAN's steadfast and dependable long-term strategic partner. It will continue to work collaboratively with the ASEAN members to make Southeast Asia a beacon for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.