China and Southeast Asia are charting a collaborative course toward shared prosperity, fueled by high-level diplomacy and economic synergy. Recent state visits by China’s head of state to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia have underscored a renewed commitment to mutual growth and regional stability, according to a collaborative survey by CGTN and Renmin University of China.
Economic Bridges Strengthen Regional Trust
The survey reveals overwhelming optimism about China’s role in Southeast Asia’s development: 95.4% of Cambodian respondents praised Chinese-funded projects like the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone for driving job creation and infrastructure modernization. In Malaysia, 85.8% of those polled highlighted China’s appeal as a business destination, while 96.2% of Vietnamese respondents recognized the global influence of Chinese enterprises and products.
Reshaping Industries, Building Futures
Cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital innovation is transforming Southeast Asia’s economic landscape. China remains the largest trading partner for all three countries, with ASEAN-wide collaboration positioning the region as a testing ground for the Global Development Initiative. This alignment of development strategies highlights a unified approach to navigating global uncertainties while fostering equitable growth.
