中国与东盟携手打造周边命运共同体新范式

Core Viewpoint - The completion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations marks a significant step towards signing the upgraded protocol by the end of this year, aiming to foster a mutually beneficial cooperation model amidst unprecedented global trade challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Trade and Economic Cooperation - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 aims to counteract rising global trade protectionism and unilateralism, with 169 new trade restrictive measures reported by the WTO, affecting approximately $887.6 billion in goods trade [2]. - The trade value between China and ASEAN is projected to reach 6.99 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a growth of 9.0%, which constitutes 15.9% of China's total foreign trade [3]. - China and ASEAN have committed to enhancing supply chain connectivity, ensuring the free flow of key products and services, and improving infrastructure connectivity to stabilize regional supply chains [3]. Group 2: Market Integration and Consumer Protection - The combined population of China and ASEAN exceeds 2 billion, creating a significant internal market that is crucial for addressing external risks [4]. - In 2024, China's retail sales are expected to reach 48.8 trillion yuan, while ASEAN's consumer spending is projected to hit $2.2 trillion, highlighting the region's importance as a consumer market [4]. - New rules in the Free Trade Area 3.0 include online consumer protection and tourism consumer protection, aimed at optimizing the market environment and fostering new consumption patterns [4]. Group 3: Digital Economy and Innovation - China and ASEAN are enhancing digital economic cooperation by improving digital infrastructure and aligning standards for digital trade, which is essential for building an open innovation ecosystem [5]. - The collaboration in the digital economy is expected to empower ASEAN's manufacturing transformation and provide extensive market opportunities for digital technology applications [5]. Group 4: Green Economy and Sustainable Development - The Free Trade Area 3.0 emphasizes green economic cooperation, focusing on green trade, investment, and standards to promote sustainable energy and reduce carbon emissions [6]. - The partnership aims to create a mutually beneficial electric vehicle ecosystem, leveraging China's technological advantages to enhance regional automotive industry competitiveness [6]. Group 5: Inclusive and Practical Cooperation - The negotiations reflect a commitment to inclusive and practical economic cooperation, addressing development imbalances and supporting less developed ASEAN countries [7]. - China has maintained its position as ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for five years, indicating a resilient economic relationship [7].