ASEAN and China prosper in close partnership

This week ASEAN marks its 40th anniversary. From a loosely-organized grouping of five, ASEAN has expanded in many ways: Its membership has doubled to 10, and ASEAN cooperation has expanded to include political and security affairs, economic and finance, and socio-cultural and functional cooperation.

A series of commemorative events under the theme "One ASEAN at the Heart of Dynamic Asia" are being organized by ASEAN member countries throughout 2007. Many activities have also been planned or conducted in Dialogue Partners' countries, including in China.

Despite a changing regional and global environment, ASEAN is now focusing its efforts on establishing an ASEAN Community through the three pillars of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).