ASEAN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE

Since its founding 50 years ago, ASEAN has become a paradigm of strength through unity among countries with varying social systems and differing development stages.

It has been 50 years since the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on Aug. 8, 1967,marking the most notable regional diplomatic event of the past 50 years.

For half a century, ASEAN has actively strengthened its internal unity and resolved regional disputes. It has become the most important regional organization in the region, setting a good example of greater strength through unity among countries with different social systems and at different stages of development. The founding of the ASEAN Community at the end of 2015 was a new milestone of regional integration in East Asia.

With its community building, especially in economic integration, ASEAN has made tremendous achievements in economic development. At present, ASEAN’s aggregate economic output has reached US$2.4 trillion, making it the world’s seventh largest economy.

Since the dialogue relationship was established between China and ASEAN in 1991, mutual political trust has been continuously strengthened, with pragmatic cooperation yielding fruitful results. The China-ASEAN relationship has become the most dynamic and profound among ASEAN’s relationships with its dialogue partners.

Looking ahead, ASEAN is going to push forward its community building on the basis of what has been achieved in the past 50 years. The 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership in 2018 will be another golden opportunity for China and ASEAN to build a closer community of shared future.