Beijing: Trade between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China reached US$597 billion in the first seven months of this year, marking an 8.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. This trade figure accounted for 16.7 percent of China's total foreign trade during the period, as reported by the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, China has been ASEAN's top trading partner for 16 years consecutively, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) cited Vice Commerce Minister Yan Dong, who detailed that in 2024, China's bilateral trade with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore each exceeded US$100 billion. Notably, trade with Vietnam and Malaysia surpassed US$200 billion. Yan also highlighted the completion of negotiations on Version 3.0 of the China - ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0), which established a comprehensive cooperation framework linking digital infrastructure and standards, along with upgraded regulations.

The cooperation between China and ASEAN has shown steady progress, with growing institutional benefits in trade and investment facilitation. The scope of regional economic integration between China and ASEAN has been continuously expanding and deepening.

Yan further announced that the 22nd China - ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will be held in Nanning, the capital of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from September 17 to 21. The event is expected to attract about 3,200 exhibitors from 45 countries.

This year's CAEXPO will introduce new exhibition areas, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), new quality productive forces, the blue economy, and premium foreign trade products. These additions aim to showcase the latest achievements in China - ASEAN cooperation.