China Remains ASEAN's Largest Trading Partner for 17th Consecutive Year

Trade in intermediate goods, including parts, components and production inputs, rose 24.5% to 2.86 trillion CNY during the period, accounting for around two-thirds of total bilateral trade. In his remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung described ASEAN–China as one of ASEAN’s most dynamic and comprehensive partnerships, stressing the importance of effectively implementing the 2026–2030 Plan of Action to enhance the quality and strategic value of bilateral cooperation. China stands ready to work with ASEAN to deepen mutual trust, enhance mutual understanding and mutual support, safeguard the common interests of China and ASEAN, uphold the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South, and advance the development of a more just and reasonable international order. Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang noted that ADMM+ has consistently served as an open and inclusive cooperation mechanism allowing nations with legitimate interests to contribute to peace, stability, and development. PM Le Minh Hung affirmed his commitment to working alongside other ASEAN leaders to deepen bilateral and regional cooperation in an increasingly substantive and effective manner. In his speech, Long outlined challenges related to policy, human resources, technological gaps and platforms, economic factors, and new issues arising from AI. He also introduced the VNA's solutions to address the challenges of digital transformation and shared VietnamPlus' experience in adapting to the digital environment. To this end, Vietnam proposed three strategic priorities for ASEAN cooperation. First, ASEAN should expand and harmonise mutual recognition mechanisms by increasing the scope and number of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in the region; and promote the role of the ASEAN TVET Council (ATC) in connecting national skills certification systems with regional and global standards, based on national occupational skills qualification frameworks and regional references. Under the Philippines' chair, ASEAN defence cooperation will grow even stronger, allowing the region to respond flexibly and proactively to security risks, said Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang. The team of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) defeated the squad of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Public Security in the final in Hanoi on August 25 to win the ASEAN Armies’ Open Volleyball Tournament 2026. Back from their first leg success in Bangkok, Vietnam are completely focused on their training and are determined to take another win to convince the entire region of their power. The fair featured traditional dishes from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Timor-Leste, along with cultural performances, bringing the image of a diverse yet united ASEAN community closer to international friends. The UK is accelerating investment in clean power across Southeast Asia. The country is working closely together through its co-leadership of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to support Vietnam’s ambition to expand renewable energy, unlock investment in offshore wind, and build a cleaner, more resilient energy system for the future. In his opening remarks, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa underscored the importance of nurturing the sense of community and solidarity among ASEAN members. The cultural programme takes place from August 21-23, bringing together chefs and culinary specialities from five ASEAN member states with diplomatic missions in Colombo, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnamese businesses have established leading positions in some supply chains, including seafood, wood processing, cashew and coffee processing. However, in manufacturing and electronics, many firms remain concentrated in assembly and the supply of simple components. Data transparency, traceability and effective supply-chain management are key to helping leading businesses maintain their positions. Vietnamese players were thirsty for the SEAN Hyundai Cup title when playing final's first leg match against Thailand in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on August 22. On August 21, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with the Department of Vocational and Continuing Education under the Ministry of Education and Training, held a national workshop in Hanoi to discuss the implementation of the AQRF and introduce Vietnam's AQRF Referencing Report and post-referencing action plan. The ASEAN-5's trade surplus had maintained a steady upward trajectory since 2014, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% over the period. Taking place until August 26, the tournament features six teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises the army teams of Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, while Group B includes Ho Chi Minh City's police team, the Lao People’s Army's team and the Singapore Armed Forces' team. After nearly six decades of development, ASEAN has become one of the world's important regional organisations, playing an increasingly significant role in promoting peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia and the broader regional architecture. The Republic of Korea (RoK), China and Japan agreed on May 3 to reinforce the regional financial safety net, along with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), by launching a new financing facility programme meant to extend greater support in case of a financial crisis. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.