On August 8, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou hosted a reception to mark the 58th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event, attended by ASEAN Consuls-General, other diplomatic representatives in Guangzhou, and distinguished guests, underscored the strong bonds within ASEAN and its flourishing partnership with China, particularly with Guangdong Province.
ASEAN Day 2025 celebrated at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou
Mr. Kajtiti Wiwatwanont, Consul-General of Thailand in Guangzhou and current Chairman of the ASEAN Consular Corps, welcomed attendees, emphasizing ASEAN's unity amidst diversity and its outward-looking vision. He highlighted the strategic partnership with China, noting its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021.
"One of the most dynamic relationships ASEAN has fostered is, undoubtedly, with China," stated Mr. Wiwatwanont. He detailed robust economic ties: ASEAN-China trade reached over $980 billion in 2024, a 7.8% increase, with ASEAN being China's largest trading partner for the past five years. China's direct investment in ASEAN hit $25 billion in 2023. He attributed this growth partly to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.
Mr. Wiwatwanont specifically highlighted Guangdong Province's pivotal role. Guangdong's trade with ASEAN constituted approximately 20% of the total ASEAN-China trade in 2024 (equivalent to 1.5 trillion yuan). He noted increasing investment flows from Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area into ASEAN's advanced manufacturing and digital economy sectors, positioning ASEAN representatives in Guangzhou "at the forefront of steering ASEAN-China relations."
Mr. Kajtiti Wiwatwanont, Consul-General of Thailand in Guangzhou addresses at ASEAN's 58th anniversary
The day featured a series of events organized by the eight ASEAN Consulates-General in Guangzhou (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand), alongside the Myanmar Consulate-General in Nanning and the Brunei Embassy in Beijing. These included a public ASEAN Open House promoting cultural and tourism understanding and an ASEAN-China Seminar on Tourism Cooperation focusing on sustainable and integrated tourism development.
Mr. Li Hongzhi, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, echoed the strength of the partnership. "Guangdong and ASEAN countries are close neighbors across the sea and steadfast partners on the journey of development," he stated. He confirmed that ASEAN has been Guangdong's largest trading partner since 2020, with 2024 trade hitting 1.5 trillion yuan (an 8% increase), accounting for one-fifth of China's total trade with ASEAN. He praised the resilience of this cooperation amidst global uncertainties and emphasized cultural exchanges, linking Cantonese opera and Chaoshan Yingge dance with ASEAN's vibrant traditions.
Filipino artists perform at the reception
The reception showcased ASEAN's cultural diversity, featuring a traditional Thai Blessing Dance, an Indonesian Angklung performance, and songs by Filipino artists.
The ASEAN Day 2025 celebrations in Guangzhou served as a powerful testament to the enduring unity of the Southeast Asian bloc and its ever-deepening, multifaceted strategic partnership with China, with Guangdong Province acting as a crucial engine for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
Photo: Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou
