Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the enduring value of regional cooperation and technological advancement during his keynote speech at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Malaysia on Monday. Addressing leaders from Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), Li outlined strategies to navigate global economic turbulence while reaffirming China's commitment to East Asian collaboration.
Lessons from East Asia's Economic Rise
Reflecting on the region's development since the 1950s, Li highlighted how openness and cooperation enabled transformative growth across economies like Japan, the 'Four Asian Tigers,' and China. 'These landmarks in our development still inspire us,' he stated, noting that shared commitments helped overcome systemic differences and fostered industrial complementarity.
Three-Pillar Strategy for Future Growth
Li proposed a roadmap focusing on:
Stabilizing Regional Development: Urging dialogue to resolve disputes and opposing 'external interference' in economic affairs.
Strengthening Supply Chains: Leveraging East Asia's integrated design-to-market capabilities through initiatives like the newly adopted Statement on Regional Economic and Financial Cooperation.
Accelerating Tech Innovation: Prioritizing AI, robotics, and clean energy collaborations to drive 'zero-to-one' breakthroughs.
New Opportunities in a Shifting Global Economy
With Timor-Leste joining ASEAN and Malaysia chairing under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' Li expressed confidence that 10+3 nations could 'renew the glory of East Asia's development' by combining demographic dividends, industrial ecosystems, and digital transformation efforts.
