His Excellency, Zhang Yunming, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology of People’s Republic of China,
His Excellency, Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, United Nations,
His Excellency, U Mya Tun Oo, Union Minister of Transport and Communications, Myanmar
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
1. Good Evening. I want to thank the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China and the China Academy of Information and Communication Technology (CAICT) for bringing us together this evening alongside the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN). It's a privilege to help set the stage for tonight's conversation.
2. As we meet today, the ASEAN-China economic relations have evolved into one of ASEAN’s most adaptive and forward-looking partnerships. Since 2009, China has been ASEAN's largest trading partner. Since 2019, ASEAN has been China's. This isn't just about volume—foreign direct investment from China into ASEAN has grown seventeenfold over two decades, from US$1.2 billion to US$20.0 billion1.
3. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement Upgrade Protocol (ACFTA 3.0), signed at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025, takes us beyond traditional trade. With new chapters on the Digital Economy, it creates pathways for e-commerce, digital infrastructure, cross-border data flows, and cybersecurity—while strengthening customs procedures, supply chain connectivity, and support for MSMEs. This is about building digital trade architecture, not just moving goods.
Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
4. Digital cooperation sits at the heart of what comes next. China's digital economy reached US$9.7 trillion in 2024—over half its GDP2—driven by world-class advances in digital infrastructure, communication technologies, AI, and quantum computing. In parallel, ASEAN’s digital economy has become a new engine of growth: in fact US$300 billion in Gross Merchandise Value in 2025, heading toward US$1 trillion by 20303. The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), set for signing in the Philippines in 2026, could unlock up to US$2 trillion in GDP contributions by 20304. The ASEAN-China Action Plan on Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem (2026-2030) gives us the framework to align these ambitions. Let me outline several areas where deeper cooperation can make a real difference.
5. First: digital connectivity infrastructure. We need to focus on quality, accessibility, affordability, and skills. 5G isn't just faster communications—it's the infrastructure layer for AI, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, IoT, and edge computing. As these technologies scale, demand for data centres will surge. We need sustainable, energy-efficient, resilient infrastructure: green energy adoption, improved efficiency, as well as regional interconnection. China's leadership in 5G deployment and digital infrastructure offers proven expertise that can help in ASEAN advancing next-generation connectivity, which is aligned with our digital and sustainability objectives.
6. Second: AI ethics and governance. AI could add 10 to 18 percent to ASEAN's GDP—roughly US$1 trillion by 20305 as I said, or up tO US$ 2 trillion with DEFA. The ASEAN Working Group on AI Governance and the ASEAN AI Safety Network provides an important framework for ASEAN-China AI cooperation. The China ASEAN AI Industry Innovation Center, launching this year, can help us build frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment that work across both regions.
7. Third: bridging the digital divide. Inclusive digital transformation means reaching MSMEs, marginalised communities, and startups with knowledge, skills, and support. Initiatives like the China-ASEAN Digital Academy represent the kind of joint capacity-building we need to develop digital talent and ensure development reaches everyone.
8. Finally: e-commerce. This remains fundamental to our digital cooperation. China's integration of technology across retail, logistics, and payment systems offers lessons in building efficient digital ecosystems. ASEAN's dynamic market creates opportunities for both regions to leverage complementary strengths. Aligned policies and regulatory frameworks can enhance cross-border e-commerce and unlock growth. We look forward to working with Chinese industry partners on the ASEAN Online Sale Day (AOSD) in the week of 8 August 2026, connecting millions of businesses and consumers across our regions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. The potential here is substantial. Working together, ASEAN and China can accelerate development of an inclusive digital society. Let's use our strong foundation to build a shared digital future—one that transforms economies and education, fosters innovation and creativity, empowers communities and citizens, and delivers sustainable prosperity for generations to come.
Thank you.
1ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN FDI database as of December 2025
2China’s Digital Economy Goes Global 2025
3e-Conomy SEA 2025 Report
4Study on DEFA
5 Kearney