The China-ASEAN relationship will continue to grow in 2020. At the beginning of this year, during a state visit to Myanmar, President Xi Jinping attended the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries while seeking to deepen collaboration in all fields. It shows how China attaches great importance to Sino-Myanmar relations and regional cooperation. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, with abundant exchange activities to boost friendly cooperative relations. 2020 is also the Year of China-Malaysia Cultural Tourism, which will generate momentum for more people-to-people exchanges, bringing pragmatic cooperation in various fields to a new level.

The relations between China and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, such as Thailand, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, have all shown good prospects, regardless of temporary setbacks. It is true that some countries are facing government changes. But pragmatic cooperation will not be affected.

Bilateral relations are the basis of multilateral cooperation. The healthy and stable bilateral relations between China and the 10 ASEAN countries will provide new impetus for China-ASEAN cooperation and ensure it has bright prospects.

It is estimated that China-ASEAN trade reached $600 billion in 2019. ASEAN has replaced the United States as China's second-largest trading partner. This was even more impressive as it was achieved against the backdrop of sluggish world trade. Also in 2019, with the upgrading of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area being approved by all countries, trade between them continue to rise significantly. A free trade area with a population of nearly 2 billion, will surely unleash enormous potential and open up numerous possibilities.

China and the US have now signed their phase one trade deal, which is good news for China-ASEAN trade and economic cooperation.

Also the ASEAN countries, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea have reached a consensus on officially signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership cooperation agreement within 2020. Once this ambitious trade agreement is realized, mutual cooperation will be further deepened. Hopefully the East Asia summit held in Vietnam this year will bring good news, opening a new chapter for China-ASEAN cooperation and East Asia cooperation.

To further deepen China-ASEAN cooperation, infrastructure needs to be improved as soon as possible. It takes a whole day to travel from Beijing to some places in central Vietnam, which is the same as to Europe. Thanks to substantial progress in recent interconnectivity projects, China-Laos, China-Thailand, and China-Indonesia railways are in progress, and more ports, airports, and highways are underway in different ASEAN countries. China's Belt and Road Initiative is perfectly in line with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, hence their synergizing provides more opportunities for cooperation. This is also an important content of both bilateral and regional cooperation.

On the other hand, even though infrastructure remains China's strength, it is impossible for China to undertake all the projects. That's why greater international cooperation is imperative. For example, it is worthy of further exploration for China, Japan and the ROK to cooperate in infrastructure construction in ASEAN countries.

China-ASEAN two-way investment totals more than $200 billion. As China further opens up, ASEAN capital has more access to the Chinese market. The construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port in particular provide unprecedented opportunities for the ASEAN countries. Chinese companies are optimistic about Southeast Asia and have a strong willingness to enter the ASEAN markets. A better business environment will attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in them. On top of that, the technological edges of the products play an important factor. Establishing high-tech parks is a feasible mode for mutually beneficial cooperation. Energy-saving and environmental protection projects also have broad prospects.

People-to-people exchanges are key for developing China-ASEAN relations. The traditional friendship between China and the ASEAN countries is a valuable asset. However, along with changing social landscapes, people-to-people exchanges need fresh inspiration, creative forms and new content.

So far, tourist arrivals from both sides have reached about 60 million. Southeast Asia has become an ideal destination for Chinese tourists. As the infrastructure improves, more people will choose to visit the ASEAN countries. The ASEAN countries need to create more favorable conditions and simplify their visa procedures to deliver high-quality services to Chinese tourists, while Chinese tourism companies should standardize their business and management. Events such as cultural and tourism years and new products tailored to the needs of young people such as self-driving tours can effectively promote mutual understanding and interests of the two peoples.

Cultural exchanges are two-way process. While some Chinese TV dramas are very popular in Southeast Asia, we should also introduce more ASEAN cultural products. The exchanges will not last without common understanding, while common understanding is rooted in mutual understanding.

China's vocational training and education system has become a full-fledged industry, allowing both sides to collaborate in reskilling workers. It is also driven by the need to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

The international situation in 2020 is quite grim. The chaos in the Middle East remains uncertain, the spillover effects of the campaigning in the US presidential election will probably spread to every corner of the world and protectionism by some major countries will persist.

The only way to secure regional prosperity and progress is through strengthened cooperation. We are confident in the continued advancement of China-ASEAN cooperative relationship, because it is in the fundamental interests of both sides and conforms to the historical trend.

The author is former Chinese ambassador to Malaysia.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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