China & ASEAN： Looking Toward the Future

Student delegates attending the Second China-ASEAN Youth Summit sporting unique national dress during the events cultural evening gala.

The year 2017 was a year of special significance for both China and ASEAN， as mutual trust and friendly cooperation between the two sides were further enhanced.

Last year saw celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN， the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism Cooperation and the 10th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week. Cooperation between the two sides in Belt and Road construction was continuously deepened， injecting fresh impetus into the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.

In October 2017， the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC） was successfully held in Beijing， heralding a new era for the development of China. A month later， General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Vietnam and Laos on his first state visit after the 19th CPC National Congress， which brought new vitality to Chinas traditional friendship with these two socialist neighbors and pushed forward the expansion of pragmatic bilateral cooperation. While prospects for China-Philippines relations are promising， China has also reinforced mutual trust and mutual support with Cambodia and other traditional friends in the region.

The year 2018 is the first year of the implementation of the development blueprint outlined at the 19th CPC National Congress. With new accomplishments to be expected in Chinas diplomacy towards ASEAN and as the country takes on new responsibilities， China will continue to work with ASEAN member states to create a closer community of shared future.