ASEAN-China-GCC Summit Releases Landmark Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation and Regional Stability

The 46th ASEAN Summit, held on May 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marked a significant step in deepening cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and China. Leaders from these regions convened to reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, stability, and economic development, building upon centuries of interconnected history and evolving partnerships. The summit underscored the importance of regionalism, multilateralism, and adherence to international law, while emphasizing ASEAN centrality in the broader regional architecture.

The joint statement reflected a collective desire to further promote relations, guided by principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Leaders highlighted the need to foster mutual respect, non-interference, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, stressing the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equality among nations. Appreciation was extended to both China and the GCC for their ongoing roles in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development at regional and global levels.

Among the most urgent matters addressed was the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The leaders issued unequivocal condemnation of attacks against civilians and called for a durable ceasefire in Gaza, urging all concerned parties to ensure unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, restoration of essential services, and unhindered access to fuel, food, and medicine. They stressed the imperative to protect civilians, abide by international humanitarian law — particularly the Geneva Conventions — and swiftly realize the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the pre-1967 borders and relevant UN resolutions.

The statement recognized mediation efforts by Qatar and China’s role in facilitating internal Palestinian reconciliation, notably the Beijing Declaration on Palestinian unity in July 2024. The leaders welcomed recent UN General Assembly resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Commitments were also reiterated to advance global efforts for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and to end the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as outlined by the International Court of Justice.

On the economic front, the summit set forth ambitious plans to deepen integration and resilience. Key priorities include reaffirming the World Trade Organization’s central role in the multilateral trading system, facilitating free trade agreements — such as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement — and boosting industrial and supply chain resilience. Delegates discussed the potential creation of a regional business council, enhancement of digital and green industry cooperation, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises. The importance of coordinated action against corruption was also emphasized.

Strengthening connectivity emerged as another pillar of cooperation. The summit called for high-quality collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, development of logistics corridors, and promotion of sustainable infrastructure to support diversified economic growth and maritime security. In energy, participants agreed to work collectively toward just and inclusive transitions, technology innovation, and enhanced energy security. The statement highlighted the need for resilient supply chains, diversification of energy sources, and increased knowledge exchange on renewable and low-carbon technologies, as well as capacity building in nuclear safety and green workforce skills.

Digital transformation featured prominently in the summit’s agenda, with leaders pledging to explore new frameworks for digital trade, artificial intelligence, fintech, smart cities, and cross-border data security. Investments in digital upskilling and inclusive social protection for platform workers were identified as essential for equitable participation in the digital economy.

Food and agricultural cooperation were cited as further areas of mutual benefit, focusing on sustainable agriculture, halal food systems, distribution and food security, and the promotion of agricultural technology exchange. Delegates committed to advancing public-private partnerships, reducing harmful agrochemicals, and strengthening the quality and variety of food production across the regions.

People-to-people ties form the final cornerstone of the joint statement. Initiatives include promoting tourism, cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and support for art, music, and literature programs, especially among youth and diverse communities. The summit highlighted the importance of dialogue among civilizations, aligning with the UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, and bolstering joint scientific research, particularly in STEM fields.

To implement these sweeping commitments, ASEAN, China, and the GCC will utilize existing mechanisms and organize agreed activities to translate cooperative endeavors into tangible benefits for their peoples. Both regional and global initiatives, such as ASEAN’s “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future” and major GCC-hosted events on logistics, food security, sustainable development, and environmental protection, were recognized as vital milestones ahead.

Concluding the summit, leaders expressed firm resolve to build an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient partnership that advances peace and prosperity for all. The collective ambitions articulated are poised to shape the future of inter-regional cooperation — not only in times of crisis but also on the pathway to shared progress and development.