Reference Message Network reported on April 18. The website of Today's European News published an article titled "China-ASEAN Cooperation Becomes a Model of Openness and Common Development" on April 16. The author is Khalid Timur Akram, the executive director of the China-Pakistan Research Center on a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. The following are excerpts from the article: In a world where geopolitical challenges are increasing, the solid partnership between China and ASEAN has become a model of constructive regional cooperation and mutual respect based on common development. This partnership is called the "ship of friendship" by many, and it serves as a lighthouse guiding the construction of a more inclusive and balanced global system. Since China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, ASEAN countries have always been important partners of China. Both sides are committed to building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future. China and ASEAN demonstrate high-level cooperation in developing infrastructure, expanding trade, promoting technological progress, and outbound investment, showing that developing economies can rise through cooperation rather than competition. In the economic field, the cooperation between China and ASEAN has significant global influence. The combined economic scale of China and ASEAN accounts for more than one-fifth of the world total. The market position of ASEAN is increasingly intertwined with China's global economic influence, and their cooperation has far-reaching and crucial effects on maintaining global economic stability. Placing ASEAN as a strategic priority has deeply embedded itself into China's foreign policy agenda. China recognizes ASEAN as an important partner in its surrounding diplomacy and has consistently been committed to building a regional community with a shared future. Their high-level strategic cooperation is guided by international norms, ensuring that the China-ASEAN relationship is built on political trust and common security interests and prosperity vision. Since China proposed building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future in 2013, this partnership has become an important engine driving economic growth across the entire Asia-Pacific region and an important pillar in maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Against the backdrop of increasing uncertainties and rising trade protectionism in other parts of the world, the cooperation model between China and ASEAN sends a strong signal: open regionalism, mutual respect, and common growth are not only possible but also preferable. China's economic development experience and financial resources can help guide ASEAN countries—especially developing economies like Vietnam—to adjust policies, coordinate strategies, and adapt to the waves of global transformation. Whether it is the China-ASEAN community with a shared future or ASEAN's Vision 2025, both depend on progress in interconnected pillars such as political-security cooperation, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The China-ASEAN partnership is not just a regional alliance; it is a model of sustainable growth achieved through cooperation among the Global South. As the "ship of friendship" between China and ASEAN continues to move forward, it carries the hopes of nearly 2.1 billion people and the commitment to create a future defined not by competition or division but by harmony, resilience, and shared success. (Compiled/Translated by Xuelei Yang) Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494464698570506761/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author. Please express your attitude by clicking the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.