Envoy urges ‘shared prosperity’ in China-Asean ties amid growing protectionism
Beijing's new ambassador makes first public plea as bloc courts US trade.
Deep Dive
In his first public address, China's new ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, urged the bloc to deepen economic ties with Beijing and oppose "external interference," even as member states pursue trade deals with the US. Speaking at a forum in Jakarta, Wang called for upholding multilateralism and promoting inclusive globalization. He expressed confidence that US agreements would not negatively impact China-ASEAN cooperation, framing development as a process of "shared prosperity."
Why It Matters
This signals a strategic diplomatic push by China to secure influence in a key region increasingly courted by Western powers.