TL;DR
Li Qiang strongly advocates for deeper China-ASEAN unity, cooperation, and synergy to fend off external disruptions and promote shared regional growth.
Key Points
He attended the 28th China-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 28, 2025.
He announced China's readiness to implement the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030).
During the 26th Summit in September 2023, he announced China's commitment to purchasing up to USD 150 billion in agricultural products from ASEAN over five years.
Summary
Li Qiang views the relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as central to regional stability and mutual development, often referencing shared history and mutual reliance. He consistently calls for greater unity and self-strengthening between China and ASEAN nations to defend their legitimate rights and interests against external disruptions and economic bullying. At the 28th China-ASEAN Summit in October 2025, the Premier urged joint efforts to deepen cooperation, citing historical support during major crises like financial turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of their strong bond.
His approach focuses on three pillars: consolidating strategic mutual trust, deepening the convergence of interests, and strengthening people-to-people bonds. This strategy involves accelerating consultations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct and leveraging the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol to enhance trade and industrial integration. Furthermore, he promotes concrete cooperation through new platforms in areas like digital economy, green development, and maritime technology, underscoring a commitment to building an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang’s main goal is to build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. He emphasizes the need for unity and coordinated action to promote steady and sound economic growth for both sides.
He highlighted the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol as a major step to expand economic and trade cooperation. He also stressed advancing the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Li Qiang suggests that China and ASEAN must unite more closely for self-strengthening to fend off external disruptions and power politics. This involves defending their legitimate rights and interests through mutual support rather than disunity.
Sources5
Chinese premier urges joint efforts with ASEAN to fend off external disruptions
China's economic growth plans seen as beneficial to entire region
Li Qiang Attends the 28th China-ASEAN Summit
Address by H.E. Li Qiang Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China at the 27th China-ASEAN Summit
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.