He Rusheng, deputy director general of the Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, delivered a speech at a commemorative reception marking the 59th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Aug 12.

He Rusheng delivers a speech at the reception. [Photo/gdfao.gov.cn]

He noted that 2026 marks both the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Under the strategic guidance of leaders from both sides, the China-ASEAN community with a shared future boasts enormously broad development prospects.

Guangdong and ASEAN enjoy strong and far-reaching cooperation. Trade and investment remain dynamic and fruitful, key projects across multiple sectors have gained traction, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges continue to thrive.

Guangdong is currently advancing development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It looks to further expand cooperation with ASEAN countries in priority areas including sci-tech innovation, industrial linkage, digital economy, green and low-carbon transition, modern agriculture, and cultural tourism and education, contributing more local strengths to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.