The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) wrapped up in Nanning this week, showcasing China's commitment to fostering innovation and economic integration with Southeast Asia. Held in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the event spanned 160,000 square meters and centered on artificial intelligence (AI) – a theme reflecting the region's push to harness cutting-edge technologies for shared prosperity.
CAEXCO 2025 highlighted upgraded cooperation under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, which prioritizes digital transformation, green economy initiatives, and resilient supply chains. These pillars align with broader efforts to advance sustainable development across Asia amid global economic uncertainties.
Trade figures underscore the partnership's momentum: Bilateral exchanges reached $694 billion in the first eight months of 2025, with China remaining ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Since CAEXPO's launch in 2004, China-ASEAN trade has grown sevenfold, cementing the expo's role as a catalyst for regional economic synergy.
Analysts note the event's alignment with China's neighborhood diplomacy principles – emphasizing mutual benefit, inclusivity, and a shared future. By focusing on non-confrontational collaboration in emerging sectors, both sides aim to balance economic growth with regional stability.
As geopolitical tensions reshape global alliances, CAEXPO's success signals ASEAN's strategic importance in China's vision for Asian-led development. The expo's emphasis on AI and green tech also positions Southeast Asia as a testing ground for next-generation solutions to climate and digital challenges.
