It is official: the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been established. The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech on Monday, signifying a milestone in dialogue relations within the Asia Pacific region first established in 1991. According to President Xi, China is “ready to import up to 150 billion USD worth of agricultural products from ASEAN in the next five years”—almost double of its current ASEAN farm imports—and expressed hope for ASEAN’s cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

A joint statement by China and ASEAN members states was also released, reaffirming cooperation several commitments, including the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) on 1 January 2022 as well as continued implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

Analysts have also noted that the announcement signified expanding China-ASEAN ties, with China calling for cooperation in new sectors including the digital economy. Deepening ties with China is expected to grant further trade benefits for certain ASEAN members as well, e.g. the tropical food trade for the Philippines.

Editor’s comment: In recent years, China has been a key importer of ASEAN fruits, vegetable oil and more. China summits have often pulled in ASEAN leaders who have touted their farm products, including pineapples, durians and more. As many countries produce similar product, the question intra-ASEAN competition arises; but rising demand in China could make the pie bigger for everyone.