Kuala lumpur: Anutin emphasized comprehensive cooperation, pushing for the ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0) to promote regional peace, strengthen supply chains, and promote a green economy. Today at 9:00 a.m. (local time in Kuala Lumpur), Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, along with leaders and representatives of ASEAN countries, witnessed the signing ceremony of the agreement to expand trade opportunities under the upgrade of the ASEAN China Free Trade Area (ASEAN China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade), which the Thai side signed with Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister then attended and delivered a statement at the 28th ASEAN China Summit. Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Government Spokesperson, summarized the key points as follows: The Prime Minister praised the ASEAN China relations over the past decades as a significant driving force in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Thailand welcomed China's proposal to designate 2026 as the "ASEAN China Year," marking the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented three important approaches to strengthening partnerships between the two countries. Firstly, promoting economic integration by leveraging China's technological advancements to support ASEAN in strengthening supply chains, creating new business opportunities for MSMEs, and driving green growth, digital transformation, and smart agriculture. Thailand is ready to support the implementation of the revised ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0) and the effective utilization of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as the participation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China in enhancing regional trade and economic integration.
Secondly, addressing cross border security challenges, particularly transnational crimes, online crimes, human trafficking, and environmental threats such as transboundary haze. ASEAN and China should enhance cooperation in law enforcement, information sharing, and capacity building to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the region.
Lastly, maintaining peace and stability in the region. Thailand has a clear stance adhering to the path of peace and dialogue. Thailand appreciates China's role in promoting peace and constructive participation in the region. The Prime Minister further stated that on the Myanmar issue, Thailand stands ready to support efforts to create conditions leading to genuine reconciliation and lasting peace, including in the South China Sea.
Tensions in the South China Sea are a shared regional concern. Thailand supports building trust and pushing for negotiations to develop a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea that is effective, clear in content, and consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).