This Plan of Action (POA) aims at implementing the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity signed on 8 October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia and outcomes of the 24th ASEAN-China Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations to enhance and elevate the strategic partnership, friendly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation, and good neighbourliness between ASEA N and China for the period of 2021 – 2025. This POA builds upon the significant achievements made in the relations between ASEAN and China and the successful implementation of the POA 2016-2020, the joint statements adopted by the ASEAN and China Leaders for the past five years, and the ASEAN- China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030. While noting with appreciation China’s efforts to promote closer ASEAN-China cooperation, including China’s vision to build an ASEAN-China community with a shared future, the POA will also contribute to the realisation of the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together and the strengthening of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation.
This POA will serve as a guiding document to further strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation in areas of mutual interest, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples, as well as contributing to the promotion of peace, stability, prosperity and sustainability in the region. This POA also affirms China’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture and all ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora.
ASEAN and China hereby endeavour to pursue cooperation in conformity with their obligations under international law and in accordance with their respective domestic laws, regulations, and policies.
1. POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION
1.1. Deepen political and security dialogue and cooperation through:
(a) annual ASEAN-China Summit, ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Session with China, ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultations, ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee and other ASEAN-led fora;
(b) Enhancing high-level exchanges, contacts, and policy communication, and expand exchanges of visits of all levels and promote the sharing of experiences on governance; and
1.2. ASEAN-led mechanisms including the ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
1.3. Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia
(a) Uphold the purpose and principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia (TAC) and to enhance regional peace, security and prosperity as well as to promote mutual confidence and trust.
1.4. Continue consultation on the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone:
(a) supporting ASEAN’s efforts to preserve Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction in accordance with the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and the ASEAN Charter, including through the implementation of the Plan of Action to strengthen the SEANWFZ Treaty (2018-2022); and
(b) intensifying the on-going efforts of States Parties to the Treaty on the SEANWFZ and the nuclear-weapon States to resolve outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty pertaining to the signing and ratifying of the Protocol to that Treaty.
1.5. Fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and conclude a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC):
(a) Continue to promote maritime security and safety, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, and upholding all principles of the DOC, particularly freedom of navigation and over-flight, self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and have Parties concerned undertake to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);
(b) Adhere to universally recognised principles of international law including the 1982 UNCLOS and other relevant instruments of the International Maritime Organisation;
(c) Continue to promote trust, confidence building and encourage concerned parties to prevent incidents at sea in accordance with the principles of the DOC;
(d) Regularly convene the ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC (SOM-DOC) and the ASEAN-China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC (JWG-DOC);
(e) Organise practical maritime cooperation initiatives, which contribute to the promotion of mutual trust and confidence in the South China Sea, in accordance with the Work Plan on the Implementation of the DOC and the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC;
(f) Explore and/or undertake cooperative activities which may include marine environmental protection, marine scientific research, safety of navigation and communication at sea, search and rescue operation, humane treatment of all persons in danger or distress, and combating transnational crime, including but not limited to trafficking in illicit drugs, piracy and armed robbery at sea, and illegal traffic in arms, as well as holding dialogues and exchange of views as appropriate between their defense and military officials; and
(g) Intensify substantive progress towards the early conclusion and adoption of an effective and substantive COC that is in line with international law, on the basis of consensus and within a mutually-agreed timeline, and continue to promote an environment conducive to the negotiations.
1.6. Enhance cooperation on human rights by:
(a) supporting ASEAN’s effort to implement the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD), the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, and other relevant human rights declarations and instruments to which all ASEAN Member States are party; and
(b) enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through capacity building initiatives as well as supporting the work of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) and the ASEAN Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW).
1.7. Combat transnational crimes and address other non-traditional security issues through:
(a) dialogue and cooperation on law enforcement and security by continuing the convening of ASEAN-China Ministerial and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (AMMTC and SOMTC+China) Consultations and the ASEAN Senior Official on Drug Matters (ASOD)+China Consultations and other ASEAN-led fora, such as the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes;
(b) the effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Work Plan on Cooperation in the Field of Non-Traditional Security Issues (2019-2023) and its possible renewal to strengthen cooperation in addressing non-traditional security issues;
(c) sharing of information and exchange of experiences and best practices, as well as capacity` building measures through mutual visits, training courses, workshops, seminars, and video-conferencing between relevant agencies of ASEAN and China to address non-traditional security issues, including terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, money laundering, sea piracy, arms smuggling, international economic crime and cybercrime;
(d) exploring sharing of information and exchange of experiences and best practices, measures through mutual visits, training courses, workshops, seminars, and video-conferencing between relevant agencies of ASEAN and China to address illicit trafficking of wildlife protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and illicit timber trade;
(e) cooperation in accordance with their respective laws and policies, regulations and applicable treaties on criminal investigation and prosecution and in fields such as evidence gathering, tracing of crime proceeds, asset recovery, apprehension and investigation of criminal fugitives and encouraging each other to enter into bilateral legal arrangements therein;
(f) promoting closer cooperation and coordination of law enforcement agencies between ASEAN and China through, among others, use of existing regional and international facilities and mechanism, where applicable, including cooperation between maritime law enforcement agencies on combating transnational crimes at the sea in line with respective laws and regulations; and
(g) promoting cooperation on law and legal matters, including among relevant judicial and prosecutorial authorities, where applicable, through the ASEAN- China Prosecutors-General Conference.
1.8. Enhance cooperation in anti-corruption through:
(a) Effective Implementation of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Comprehensively Strengthening Effective Anti-Corruption Cooperation.
1.9. Enhance defence cooperation by:
(a) strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, humanitarian mine action, and cyber security through the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus), to enhance mutual trust, confidence, capacity building and interoperability amongst ADMM-Plus countries in order to address security challenges and maintain regional peace, security and stability collectively; and
(b) subject to the ADMM’s approval and based on mutual consensus, continuing to promote dialogue through ASEAN-China Defense Ministers’ Informal Meetings, to further strengthen practical cooperation and promote dialogue through activities such as joint exercises and training, organising academic discussions, exchanges among officers, and cooperation between defence-related think tanks.
2. ECONOMIC COOPERATION
2.1. Promote trade and investment by:
(a) enhancing the implementation of the agreements related to the ASEAN- China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), in particular, the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Certain Agreements thereunder between ASEAN and China (the ACFTA Upgrading Protocol);
(b) further discussing the remaining elements of the Future Work Programme under the ACFTA Upgrading Protocol with regard to trade in goods, and investment, and exploring other areas of possible cooperation such as e- commerce cooperation and Non-Tariff Barriers;
(c) assisting enterprises of both sides to take advantage of the benefits arising from the ACFTA agreements to enhance trade, investment, and tourism between ASEAN and China;
(d) supporting and facilitating business communities to participate in trade and investment promotion activities in ASEAN and China, including but not limited to the China International Import Expo (CIIE), China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS);
(e) further facilitating the implementation of economic and technical cooperation projects through the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) and as well as other China’s grants to ASEAN; and
(f) intensifying joint efforts to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement in 2020, as instructed by Leaders at the 3rd RCEP Summit, and working together towards the early implementation of the RCEP Agreement.
2.2. Deepen financial cooperation through:
(a) implementing the vision document, “Strategic Directions of ASEAN+3 Finance Process” to deepen and broaden regional financial cooperation and enhance readiness of the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) as a regional financial safety net, with the support of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), and exploring new initiatives in the areas of (i) promoting local currency usage for trade and investment settlements; (ii) developing comprehensive initiatives on infrastructure financing; (iii) designing more supporting facilities to help ASEAN+3 members better deal with macro-critical structural issues that may have major implications for financial stability and economic growth; (iv) exploring cooperation in fields of mitigation and adaptation of climate change; and (vi) enhancing policy coordination to harness benefits of the technological advancements while minimising risks to job markets and financial systems;
(b) further enhancing the CMIM’s operationalisation and effectiveness, by improving the Operational Guidelines through conducting test runs and enhancing the Economic Review and Policy Dialogue (ERPD) process and reviewing the future direction of the CMIM, including the issue of local currency contribution to CMIM;
(c) supporting the development of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) including improving the quality of its surveillance activities, and economic review and policy recommendations and analysis of the regional macroeconomic and financial situation, and strengthening its institutional capabilities and its function of effectively supporting CMIM decision-making and operation;
(d) active involvement of international financial institutions, such as Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group, to better mobilise public sector resources, private capital and enhance capacity building to support infrastructure development through diversified and sustainable financing in the region;
(e) supporting the Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI)’s contribution to the development of the local currency bond markets across the region, to allow the region’s large savings to be channeled to finance its own investment needs and promote the issuance of and facilitating the demand for local currency denominated bonds, improving the regulatory framework and related infrastructure for the bond markets, providing technical assistance to ASEAN Member States, and supporting Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility’s provision of guarantees for local currency- denominated bonds issued by corporations in the ASEAN+3 region;
(f) promoting human resource development and capacity building in banking and financial sectors including through the ASEAN-China Inter-Bank Association and ASEAN Plus Three Inter-Bank cooperation mechanism, as appropriate; and
(g) supporting greater financial inclusion for sustainable growth, through the promotion of initiatives to improve access to financial services and products for individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises. This includes areas such as capacity building and technical assistance in financial literacy, effective intermediary and distribution channel, various finance facilities, consumer protection, national and other existing credit guarantee mechanisms, where applicable, and enhanced dialogues among regulators and stakeholders.
2.3. Enhance cooperation in food and agriculture through:
(a) enhancing ASEAN-China agricultural cooperation through dialogue, exchanges of information, capacity building, and sharing of best practices in key areas of mutual interests;
(b) the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ASEAN and China on Food and Agriculture Cooperation;
(c) carrying on the Agreement on ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) and strengthening cooperation in food security with a view to improving regional food security;
(d) facilitating more agricultural exports and investment, as appropriate;
(e) cooperation related to crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, and exchange of advanced applicable technology and capacity building;
(f) cooperation in agricultural science and technology innovation and food security, including through joint research and training and Research and Development (R&D);
(g) promotion of responsible fishing practices and addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and
(h) sharing of experience in preventing and controlling cross-border animal and plant diseases.
2.4. Strengthen cooperation in Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) and Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT) through:
(a) the the implementation of MOU between the Governments of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary Cooperation and implementation of the Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures (STRACAP) Chapter of the ASEAN-China FTA;
(b) regular ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting on SPS Cooperation to promote and strengthen cooperation on the application of SPS measures, enhance exchanges of information on SPS related issue between relevant authorities at different levels; and
(c) regular meeting of the Sub-Committee on STRACAP, and the Sub- Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters (SPS Sub-Committee) to facilitate trade in goods between the Parties according to the Protocol to Incorporate Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures into the Agreement on Trade in Goods of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and China.
2.5. Enhance maritime cooperation through:
(a) exploring projects to cooperate in marine economic cooperation, including marine finance, maritime connectivity, marine science and technology promotion and application, and marine environmental protection;
(b) encouraging partnership on blue economy between ASEAN and China; and
(c) promoting cooperation on marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources.
2.6. Enhance ICT cooperation by:
(a) continuing policy dialogue and exchanges, including on digital cooperation, through the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting with China and other ASEAN- China mechanisms;
(b) conducting dialogue and exchanges to further deepen policy discussion on cybersecurity;
(c) implementing the agreed deliverables of the ASEAN-China Year of Digital Economy Cooperation;
(d) conducting activities for information exchange and cooperation in the areas of ICT development and regulatory policies, emergency communication technologies and applications for disaster prevention and mitigation, network security industry development, network security emergency response capacity building, and emerging ICT technologies and applications, such as artificial intelligence;
(e) continuation of cooperation to improve ASEAN-China information and communication infrastructure connectivity; and
(f) sharing information and conducting capacity building joint activities on digital economy and technological innovation.
2.7. Build closer cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) through:
(a) effective implementation of Joint Statement on the ASEAN-China Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation;
(b) creation of a vibrant STI ecosystem to facilitate R&D, deployment, commercialization and technology transfer in mutually agreed areas of importance;
(c) further strengthening STI policy frameworks to support research and capability building in mutually agreed areas such as innovation management for joint collaboration and technology transfer;
(d) enhancing people-to-people exchanges, including by strengthening the engagement and contributions of women and youth in STI;
(e) creation of support mechanisms to support and nurture STI enterprises from start-up to the next competitive level of development; and
(f) exploring different models of partnerships for business development and research.
2.8. Strengthen cooperation in transport through:
(a) policy dialogue and exchanges through the ASEAN-China Transport Ministers’ Meeting and other relevant mechanisms;
(b) joint projects/activities to implement the Revised Strategic Plan for ASEAN- China Transport Cooperation, the MOU between ASEAN and China on Transport Cooperation and the Agreement on Maritime Transport between ASEAN and China, and the ASEAN-China Maritime Education and Training Development Strategy;
(c) Enhance cooperation in maritime transportation and development of seaports and promote cooperation among port cities with the objective of improving connectivity in all ASEAN Member States and China;
(d) Promote cooperation in aeronautical and maritime search and rescue;
(e) the implementation of further expansion of the ASEAN-China Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA) and its protocols, and enhancement of comprehensive aviation cooperation, eventually putting in place a fully liberal and mutually beneficial air services framework between and beyond ASEAN and China; and
(f) human resources development activities in the field of transport.
2.9. Strengthen cooperation in tourism by:
(a) facilitating the exchange and cooperation in tourism between ASEAN and China, and stepping up efforts to establish ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and related mechanisms, while welcoming China’s initiative on the Asia Tourism Promotion Plan;
(b) strengthening policy dialogue and cooperation through the ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Tourism;
(c) effectively implementing the Joint Statement between ASEAN and China on Tourism Cooperation;
(d) Enhancing closer cooperation in the sharing of information and exchange of best practices between ASEAN and China on the responses to crises, communications readiness, connectivity coordination, national relief efforts and measures to support the tourism sector to better manage future pandemic crises;
(e) facilitating travel and tourists visits and sharing of data and tourism statistics;
(f) encouraging greater flows of tourists between ASEAN and China through joints promotion campaigns, including activities carried out by the ASEAN- China Centre;
(g) supporting the development of quality, inclusive, and accessible tourism through, where appropriate, the promotion of tourism investment, standards and programmes for sustainable tourism;
(h) supporting the participation of business communities and other tourism segments in travel marts, exhibitions and tourism festivals, such as the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum and the China International Travel Mart;
(i) enhancing linkages among the education and training institutions in areas such as tourism information exchange and human resources development;
(j) promoting seamless connectivity through cruise and yacht tourism so as to increase visitors between ASEAN and China;
(k) strengthening cooperation in crisis communications through sharing of accurate and timely information to relevant tourism organisations; and
(l) exchanging and sharing best practices on digital tourism development through seminars, workshops and capacity building programmes.
2.10. Intensify cooperation in the areas of energy and minerals through:
(a) policy exchanges and dialogue on energy, minerals and geosciences as well as sharing of information, best practices and experiences on clean energy development through regional fora and seminars to acquire the alternative perspectives among others;
(b) encouraging investment in potential energy infrastructure development in power generation, regional power trade integration, clean, renewable and alternative energy, and civilian nuclear energy for peaceful use;
(c) information sharing, joint R&D and technical exchange in the development of new and renewable energy sources and technologies such as bio- energy, hydropower, wind, solar, ocean energy, clean coal technology, gas- fired power plant, hydrogen and fuel cell;
(d) promotion of energy efficiency and conservation, including deepening the knowledge and information exchange among others as well as exploring joint research in energy conservation policy, where possible;
(e) encouraging active participation and investment in mineral resource exploration and development for mutual benefit while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development;
(f) enhancing geological and mineral cooperation through capacity building programmes on green mining technology and best practices, mining management and planning, and sustainable mining practices; and
(g) conducting research and development, sharing of experience, and capacity building in increasing added value in minerals.
2.11. Continue exchanges of views in customs area, including the single window, through ASEAN-China Customs DG Consultation Meeting and relevant sectoral bodies to promote trade facilitation
2.12. Strengthen cooperation in the field of intellectual property through implementation of the MOU between the Governments of the Member States of ASEAN and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property
2.13. Advance cooperation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as startups through:
(a) supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development (2016-2025) including convening of seminars, workshops, and symposiums on sharing best practices, experiences, and capacity building on key areas of MSME development including access to markets, financing, new technologies and participation in the digital economy;
(b) policy consultations and exchange of expertise between the concerned authorities including relevant stakeholders on MSMEs and pragmatically advance MSMEs cooperation;
(c) supporting closer ties between MSME-support institutions of ASEAN Member States and China, and cooperating in MSME trade and investment, personnel training and leveraging existing industrial parks; and
(d) encouraging active participation of ASEAN Member States in the China International SMEs Expo, as well as participation of ASEAN Member States and China in other relevant trade shows and activities with more support and facilitation for MSMEs of both sides to expand their markets.
2.14. Enhancing production capacity cooperation by:
(a) effectively implementing Joint Statement between ASEAN and China On Production Capacity Cooperation;
(b) promoting economic development through industrial upgrading to complement the production and consumption needs;
(c) exchanging information on relevant policies, towards creating a favourable business and investment environment for production capacity cooperation;
(d) promoting cooperation in upgrading production facilities, particularly in fields of advance technology, green and creative industries, as well as startups, where applicable;
(e) promoting supply chain linkages of industry sectors with mutual interests by both sides; and
(f) promoting innovation cooperation by encouraging exchanges of key technology and its application to business innovation.
3. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION
3.1. Strengthen cooperation in public health through:
(a) policy dialogue and exchanges through ASEAN-China Health Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development and other relevant mechanisms;
(b) cooperation in preventing and controlling infectious diseases as well as in preparedness and responses against pandemic influenza, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases;
(c) exchanges of information and expertise in chronic disease prevention and control and non-communicable diseases including mental health;
(d) exchanges on occupational health including diagnosis, treatment and prevention of occupational diseases;
(e) cooperation on traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) focusing on its protection, development and integration to healthcare system, subject to individual Member States’ priorities and domestic regulation;
(f) cooperation in the use of ICT for the continued development of public health, and the promotion of healthy cities and sustainable sanitation management;
(g) cooperation in training of health executives and professionals;
(h) support for innovations for enhancing quality of health services and implementation of UHC to ensure access to quality and cost-effective health services without risk of financial hardship, taking into consideration the WHO recommendation on people-centred health services and quality improvement;
(i) cooperation in healthy and active ageing, including with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation and other relevant centres and institutions; and
(j) exploring opportunities to support the implementation of ASEAN Declaration on Culture of Prevention for a Peaceful, Inclusive, Resilient Healthy and Harmonious Society.
3.2. Strengthen cooperation in education systems and improving access to education by:
(a) making good use of the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week and the ASEAN-China Center to conduct comprehensive, multi-level, and wide- ranging exchanges and promotion of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and China;
(b) promoting student mobility and the provision of Chinese Government scholarships to ASEAN Member States, including through the ASEAN- China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS);
(c) developing practical cooperation between tertiary institutions with emphasis on quality assurance, student mobility, joint research, and language teaching, where appropriate;
(d) exchanges among educational institutions, including technical and vocational education and training providers;
(e) promoting youth exchanges in the fields of languages, culture, art and heritage with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and further deepen friendship;
(f) conducting training courses for professionals with different levels of experience and in various subject areas;
(g) co-hosting academic conferences including through the Network of ASEAN-China Think-tanks; and
(h) exploring cooperation in science and technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education and training.
3.3. Enhance cultural and sports exchange and cooperation through:
(a) implementation of the ASEAN-China Work Plan on Cooperation in Culture and the Arts 2019-2021 and any successor work plan;
(b) dialogue and discussions among culture and arts policy-makers primarily through the ASEAN-China Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts Meeting;
(c) joint cultural initiatives and programmes through performances, exhibitions, and art and cultural festivals, and people-to-people exchanges in various artistic fields such as folklore, visual arts, music, and performances;
(d) organisation of the ASEAN-China Cultural Forum on relevant cultural and artistic themes;
(e) promotion of the development of small and medium-sized cultural enterprises;
(f) knowledge-sharing in managing tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including exchanges of expertise in cultural heritage preservation;
(g) exchanges and human resource development of professionals and managers of cultural institutions such as museums, archives and libraries, cultural centers, archaeological and conservation administration, and research institutes;
(h) encouraging exchanges and cooperation between publishing agencies of ASEAN and China including participation of ASEAN publishing agencies in the Beijing International Book Fair, and cooperation in translating Asian classics both from and into Chinese; and
(i) capacity building initiatives in sports science and medicine, and exchanges of athletes, coaches, officials, and physical education teachers.
3.4. Promote cooperation in labour and civil service matters through:
(a) the ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM+3) or the South- South Triangular Cooperation, on areas of mutual interests, including but not limited to, social dialogue, human resource development, occupational safety and health, social protection, inclusive growth and sustainable development as a response to the ASEAN Economic Integration;
(b) exchange of expertise and cooperation on occupational safety and health laws, regulations and technical standards, safety supervision and law enforcement, and promoting safety management, training and exchange of visits; and
(c) the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM+3), towards building agile, efficient and people-centric civil service in ASEAN through short-term trainings, study visits, conferences and other activities, on issues related to e-governance; human resource management and human resource development; productivity in the public sector; good governance; public sector reform; local administration capacity building and cooperation; and research and innovation.
3.5. Strengthen cooperation in social protection and poverty reduction through:
(a) exchanges of policy, dialogue and sharing of experiences in these areas through ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD+3) and ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials’ Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRPDE+3);
(b) cooperation on social welfare of older persons, persons with disabilities, women and children and supporting efforts to share experiences/studies on social welfare and protection policies, including adaptive social protection;
(c) cooperation on community services aimed at enhancing people’s well-being and experience sharing on capacity building of community administration;
(d) exchange and cooperation among relevant authorities in implementing relevant poverty alleviation initiatives including the ASEAN-China Social Development and Poverty Reduction Forum;
(e) building the capacity of village leaders and further enhance the rural community development, including through ASEAN+3 Village Leaders Exchange Program and other relevant foras;
(f) holding of a series of seminars on poverty reduction policy and practices as well as capacity building programmes on poverty reduction and rural development for ASEAN Member States, and strengthening cooperation on human resources development in this area; and
(g) policy consultations, technical support and participation in the design of poverty reduction projects and formulation of national poverty reduction strategies in accordance with the needs of ASEAN Member States.
3.6. Protect and conserve the environment and promote sustainable use of natural resources through:
(a) strengthening cooperation through high-level policy dialogue on environment, including the ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum, and the ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting;
(b) implementing the Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025);
(c) dialogue and exchange of experiences in managing urban and rural environmental protection and implement demonstration projects on ecologically friendly urban and rural environment to improve environmental quality of life in the region;
(d) providing support for conservation and sustainable management of land and forests, including ASEAN’s effort to implement the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, through initiatives and actions in strengthening national capability and regional cooperation;
(e) cooperation to promote the use and sharing of environmental data and information as well as collaboration to improve national environmental data management capacities;
(f) promote marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources, including cooperation in marine science and technology, ocean observation and hazard mitigation;
(g) capacity building and education programmes, joint-training courses, joint research, and staff exchange programmes on key issues of environmental management including integrated water resources and drought management, coastal and marine environment, cooperation in STI for management of natural resources, and public environmental awareness in the region;
(h) implementation of the ASEAN-China Green Envoys Program to jointly improve capacity of ASEAN and China in environment management, and welcoming the possible upgrading of the Program;
(i) promoting cooperation to provide access to clean water, clean air, basic healthcare, and other social services;
(j) dialogue and exchange of experiences/best practices for social and environmental safeguards in trade and businesses between ASEAN and China;
(k) cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation including through the exchange of experience and knowledge, capacity building and demonstration projects, such as those related to promoting the co-benefits between climate change response and air quality improvement;
(l) strengthening policy exchanges and cooperation on combating marine plastic debris to improve environmental management and capabilities of coastal cities in the region in marine environmental governance, including through the ASEAN-China Partnership for Eco-Friendly Urban Development;
(m) conducting cooperative initiatives on the conservation and management of biodiversity in the region, in particular in collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center, and potentially the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, to promote mainstreaming of biodiversity, improve awareness and capacity in biodiversity conservation policies, promote protection and sustainable utilisation of biological resources, and support the implementation of the Post-2020 global biodiversity framework when adopted;
(n) promoting cooperation on environmentally sound technology and industry, and sharing best practices to support green development in ASEAN and China; and
(o) exploring cooperation in capacity building projects in integrated coastal management and other relevant projects, based on consensus.
3.7. Strengthening media exchanges and cooperation through:
(a) effective implementation of the Joint Statement on Strengthening Media Exchanges and Cooperation between ASEAN and China;
(b) greater communication between the governments of ASEAN and China on media policies and issues, including through the ASEAN-China Ministers Responsible for Information Meeting;
(c) exchange and discussion between mainstream media of ASEAN Member States and China and mutual visits and exchanges of journalists, and cooperation in news reporting, while welcoming, that ASEAN media could, on a voluntary basis, explore participating in the Belt and Road News Network;
(d) media content cooperation, and collaboration in the co-production of films, TV series, documentaries, and new media;
(e) collaboration on the broadcasting of ASEAN and China’s high-quality films, TV programs on their respective platforms;
(f) broadcasting documentaries, subject to the laws and regulations of each country;
(g) encouraging media companies to participate in the film and TV festivals hosted in China and ASEAN countries;
(h) cooperation in media technology R&D and equipment production and conduct of industry cooperation in digitalization, analytics, and network connectivity;
(i) media education and training through exchanges and workshops for media professionals from both China and ASEAN countries;
(j) strengthening cooperation on news coverage and materials, upholding reliable and objective news reporting, and encouraging information dissemination in promoting mutual understanding and coordinated economic and social development to foster stronger synergy between ASEAN and China; and
(k) on the basis of mutual agreement, hold high-level forum or workshop on media matters to enhance media cooperation.
3.8. Promote cooperation in disaster management, and emergency response, through:
(a) Stepping up efforts to establish an ASEAN-China Ministers’ Meeting on Disaster Management to improve knowledge sharing and policy exchanges, while noting with appreciation China’s proposal for a Belt and Road International Cooperation Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management;
(b) technical and scientific cooperation and exchange of expertise in disaster management which include community-based approach to disaster risk monitoring and early-warning, disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness and emergency response, as well as disaster recovery and rehabilitation;
(c) support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2021-2025 the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) Work Plan 2021-2025 and further enhancing joint effort in strengthening disaster management capacities of the ASEAN Member States through capacity building, sharing of information, good practices and experiences among AMS and China; and
(d) providing technical support on disaster management and capacity building for ASEAN as outlined in the ASEAN–China Project Cooperation Arrangement.
3.9. Promote people-to-people exchanges through:
(a) dialogue, exchange of visits and sharing of experiences among local governments, including governors and mayors;
(b) ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Youth, ASEAN-China Youth Camp, GMS (Youth Friendship Programme (also known as (ASEAN) Lancang-Mekong Youth Friendship Exchanges) Programme and encourage both sides to use other platforms/programmes such as ASEAN- China Young Entrepreneurs Association, China-ASEAN Youth Friendship Association, and China-ASEAN Women Training Center;
(c) cooperation between local governments in ASEAN and in China on the improvement people’s quality of life and livelihood in less developed areas;
(d) establishment of a network of sister and friendship cities/provinces between ASEAN Member States and China; and
(e) Promoting common interests in East Asia and cope with common challenges through the East Asia Forum, Network of East Asia Think Tanks (NEAT), Network of ASEAN-China Think-tanks (NACT), Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and other mechanisms.
4. CONNECTIVITY
4.1. Enhance cooperation on connectivity, through:
(a) the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 through capacity building, resource mobilisation and development of flagship projects;
(b) the effective implementation of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Synergising MPAC 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to foster mutually beneficial and quality cooperation between MPAC 2025 and the BRI, for the goal of high-standard, people-oriented, people-centered and sustainable development, while noting ASEAN’s principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and ASEAN Centrality, and BRI’s spirit of promoting peace and cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, equality, mutual learning and mutual benefit, its principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and concepts of open, green and clean cooperation;
(c) supporting the development of ASEAN infrastructure projects and promoting connectivity cooperation in areas such as railways, highways, port and harbours, airports, power and communication;
(d) encouraging innovative infrastructure financing in ASEAN through the mobilisation of private capital and engagement with international financial institutions, to support infrastructure development through diversified and sustainable financing; and
(e) strengthening cooperation and regular dialogue through meetings between ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) and Chinese Working Committee of the China-ASEAN Connectivity Cooperation Committee (CWC-CACCC) and other relevant bilateral and multilateral platforms to enhance closer collaboration on connectivity; and
5. SMART CITY COOPERATION
5.1. Enhance smart city cooperation by:
(a) effectively implementing the ASEAN-China Leaders’ Statement on Smart City Cooperation Initiative;
(b) exchanging best practices by encouraging relevant administrative authorities, municipal governments and research institutions to strengthen cooperation in smart city policy making and planning;
(c) exploring cooperation on smart city standards by promoting cooperation in the communication, mutual recognition, development and use of suitable international standards and related policies and conformity assessment schemes, regarding smart city technology industries, key fields of application and integrated solutions;
(d) advancing technological innovation by exploring facilitation of information exchange on achievements and joint research and innovation opportunities, jointly improve innovative capacity, and actively pursue cooperation in the various fields of smart city development;
(e) exploring co-operation and experience sharing in geospatial information science and technology adoption and research in supporting smart city solutions development and implementation;
(f) supporting private sector collaboration by promoting exchanges of information on capital, technology and projects; actively encouraging cooperation among enterprises, including start-ups; and
(g) strengthening cooperation platforms by making use of the relevant ASEAN platforms and initiatives, including the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) and the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS).
6. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
6.1. Enhance cooperation to accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including through promoting complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and
6.2. Support ASEAN institutions and mechanisms that help facilitate sustainable development cooperation in the region, including but not limited to the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD).
7. INITIATIVE FOR ASEAN INTEGRATION (IAI) AND NARROWING DEVELOPMENT GAP
7.1. Intensify support and assistance, financially and technically, for ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gap between ASEAN Member States as well as integration efforts by implementing the IAI Work Plan IV (2021 – 2025) through enhancing infrastructure development, human resource development, information and communication technology and regional and sub-regional development.
8. EAST ASIA COOPERATION
8.1. further strengthening the EAS, with ASEAN as the driving force, as a Leaders- led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia;
8.2. regular engagement among EAS Ambassadors’ in Jakarta on the implementation of Leaders’ decisions as well as exchange of information on regional development cooperation initiatives and security policies and initiatives
8.3. Continue to support ASEAN Plus Three cooperation as a main vehicle to realise the long-term objective of establishing an East Asian community with ASEAN as the driving force, including through effective implementation of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan 2018-2022 and its successor document; and
8.4. Further strengthen engagement between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the Ambassadors to ASEAN of the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in Jakarta to discuss the implementation of Leaders’ decisions as well as exchange views and information on regional and international issues.
9. SUB-REGIONAL COOPERATION
9.1 Continue to strengthen cooperation under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, the BIMP-EAGA-China Cooperation and other relevant sub-regional framework and cooperation mechanisms to support efforts to narrow the development gap in the region.
10. INTER-REGIONAL COOPERATION AND COOPERATION IN THE UN
10.1. Continue to enhance cooperation at the United Nations on issues of mutual interest and common concern, inter alia, UN reform, matters affecting international peace and security, counter-terrorism, climate change, and development agenda;
10.2. Enhance closer communication and coordination among the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and China at the UN;
10.3. Maintain cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Asia-Europe Meeting; and
10.4. Strengthen coordination and cooperation within other international and regional organizations on issues of mutual interest.
11. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS AND MONITORING
11.1. Implement projects and activities of the POA utilising appropriate funding support from ASEAN Member States and China, including the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) and other funds;
11.2. Concerned sectoral bodies in ASEAN and agencies in China jointly draw up specific work programmes/projects to implement the actions and measures outlined in this Plan of Action; and
11.3. Review this Plan of Action through:
(a) PMC 10+1 Session with China and meetings of the ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultations and ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee; and
(b) submission of a progress report of the implementation of this Plan of Action to the annual ASEAN-China Summit through the PMC 10+1 Session with China.
