On January 8, the Freeman published an article by Consul General Zhang Zhen titled “Harmony through partnership, prosperity for all”. The full text is as follows:
Recently China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi's speech at the China-foreign relations symposium outlined a roadmap for regional engagement under China’s foreign policy. For ASEAN, including the Philippines as ASEAN 2026 Chair, this framework translates into specific opportunities for cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity within the overarching vision of building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.
In this changing and turbulent world, Asia is widely recognized as a center of global development and prosperity. "As again proved by the development trajectory of relations between China and neighboring countries and the evolution of regional environment in the past year, having China as a neighbor is a good, fortunate thing," Minister Wang emphasized. China aims to build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home with its neighbors. China commits to advocating joint consultation in regional affairs rather than imposing solutions—a stance that supports dialogue and mutual respect in addressing differences and challenges. Nations should engage in results-oriented dialogue to address sensitivities while focusing on shared interests in resisting geopolitical maneuvering that could destabilize the region.
As China advances high-standard opening-up, ASEAN members can leverage platforms like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 to boost exports, attract infrastructure investment, and participate in regional supply chains. China’s commitment to "high-quality BRI cooperation" prioritizes connectivity and livelihood projects. Expanding tourism, educational ties, and business flows with China would naturally align with this trend. ASEAN could continue to explore partnerships in various sectors to enhance its economic development.
China supports a "bigger and stronger BRICS" to amplify the Global South’s voice. ASEAN could engage with these platforms to advocate for equitable trade rules and climate finance. China’s emphasis on expanding cultural exchanges and promoting people-to-people connectivity invites enhanced tourism, culture exchanges and sister-city partnerships. China’s commitment to consolidating good-neighborliness with ASEAN reinforces ASEAN’s role as the key mediator in regional architecture—a position the Philippines, as an ASEAN member and ASEAN 2026 Chair, can leverage to ensure its interests are heard.
In 2025 China demonstrated solidarity with ASEAN through multifaceted assistance consistently. For example, China dispatched a 37-member rescue team with life detectors, drones, and emergency supplies to Myanmar after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck on March. Right after Typhoons Tino and Uwan in the Philippines, Chinese side donated 1 million US dollars in cash and 1 million RMB in kind. The Chinese Embassy, Consulates and relevant Chinese Provinces also extended helping hands to the affected Filipinos. Meanwhile, ongoing infrastructure projects like the China-Laos Railway and agricultural technology transfers enhanced regional connectivity and food security, fostering a community of shared future.
China’s foreign policy blueprint for 2026 offers a framework to strengthen partnership —not through alignment, but through mutual respect and shared gains. As Minister Wang Yi concluded, "The wheel of history rolls forward with unstoppable might." In 2026, we have the opportunity to steer it together—toward a future defined not by differences, but by a common destiny as neighbors, partners, and friends.