According to Kao, Asean and China have sustained positive momentum under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "We reached another level of cooperation, particularly in economic cooperation." Kao highlighted that the upgraded Asean-China FTA will have a far-reaching impact on bilateral economic cooperation. "This will have a significant impact on the economic cooperation between the two sides because we will do more in digital trade, digital services, digital payments and e-commerce," he noted. "In a world where global economic and political dynamics are constantly changing, what we need to do is maintain the momentum of positive cooperation," Kao said.

Source: The Edge Markets January 14, 2026 16:26 UTC