South Asia, China to build a shared future by cooperation

Editor's Note: The 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum opened in Kunming, Yunnan province, on June 11 under the theme "Strengthen Cooperative Partnerships for a Community with a Shared Future with Neighboring Countries". The forum brought together senior diplomats, representatives of regional organizations and experts from South Asia and neighboring countries. Below are selected excerpts from keynote speeches delivered at the forum, as reported by China Daily's Li Yingqing and Yao Yuxin.

Collective action is essential in a changing world

The world is undergoing a profound transformation. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate-related challenges and growing pressures on multilateral institutions continue to reshape the international landscape.

The ongoing conflicts and crises around the world highlight the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in safeguarding international peace and security.

For small island developing states such as the Maldives, the effects of such crises are often amplified, highlighting their vulnerability to external developments and the importance of a peaceful and stable international environment.

In the face of ongoing crises, collective action remains indispensable. One nation cannot address the complex challenges of the time alone.

China has consistently emphasized consensus, common prosperity and cooperative approaches to global challenges. These principles continue to resonate across the region, reflecting shared aspirations for development and stronger regional ties.

Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not only in shared interests, but in the trust, understanding and goodwill that sustain it.

Technology and innovation will drive future growth

The international community faces economic uncertainties, climate challenges, technological transformations and growing geopolitical complexities. At such a time, solidarity, mutual trust and partnership among neighboring countries have become more important than ever.

The vision of building a community with a shared future is based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Stronger regional partnerships are essential for addressing common challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.

Future cooperation needs to focus on promoting trade, attracting investment, enhancing connectivity, accelerating digital transformation, and expanding opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and the blue economy.

Educational exchanges, youth engagement, cultural interactions, academic collaboration and tourism cooperation are essential for fostering mutual understanding and building lasting friendships among nations.

Innovation and technology are equally important drivers of future growth. By strengthening cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation and capacity building, countries can better equip themselves to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

Greater regional cooperation in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy and sustainable development is essential to safeguarding the collective future.

By advancing South-South cooperation, strengthening connectivity, promoting sustainable development and deepening people-to-people exchanges, countries can unlock new opportunities for growth and resilience.

China-South Asia trade still has vast untapped frontiers

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation was established in 1985 to elevate the welfare and quality of life of the peoples of South Asia, engineer collective solutions to shared challenges, and build an enduring spirit of friendship, trust and mutual respect among its member states.

Four decades later, SAARC stands as the embodiment of hope for regional peace, stability, progress and solidarity — bound by a shared history, culture and destiny. As a valued observer country, China shares a relationship with SAARC that the region deeply treasures.

China remains the primary economic and trade partner for South Asian nations. Bilateral trade volume now exceeds $200 billion annually, having doubled over the past decade with an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent.

While traditional synergy in agriculture, energy, minerals and infrastructure remains strong, cooperation is rapidly expanding into pioneering frontiers.

Today, China and South Asia are actively collaborating in green energy, photovoltaics, electric vehicles, low-carbon initiatives, digital technologies, intelligent manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce.

To ensure this economic relationship is both sustainable and mutually enriching, there should be a deeper and more resilient equilibrium in regional trade volumes.

The China-South Asia Expo, which showcases advances in bio-medicine, green energy, advanced manufacturing, cultural tourism, wellness and modern agriculture, can inject fresh momentum into the regional economy and create common ground for development.

Partnership, not polarization, is South Asia's choice

South Asia is home to almost a quarter of humanity, endowed with abundant natural resources and a great talent pool. Yet, the region has lagged behind other regions such as Southeast, Central and Northeast Asia.

Despite the demographic dividend, the social and economic indicators of South Asian countries leave much to be desired.

The region faces complex challenges: conflicts, poverty, climate vulnerability, water insecurity and uneven development. Countering these challenges requires a bold vision, statesmanship and new development partnerships.

South Asia's history over the past 75 years demonstrates that building a truly peaceful and prosperous region hinges on resolving long-standing disputes and adhering to international law and the United Nations Charter.

A new blueprint for a development partnership between China and South Asia should be based on principles of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, solidarity and shared prosperity.

It is time to consider establishing a standing China-South Asia Development Forum as an annual platform, hosted on a rotational basis among South Asian countries.

The region stands at an important crossroads. The choice should be partnership over polarization, development over discord, and hope over despair.

Development must serve both people and planet

The focus on deepening cooperative partnerships and building a community with a shared future reflects what the Himalayan region has practiced for generations — living in harmony with nature, respecting each other's sovereignty and seeking mutual benefit.

Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy places the well-being of people and the protection of the environment at the center of all development.

China's vision of ecological civilization, captured in the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", speaks the same language. Yunnan province is a living example of this wisdom — its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and harmonious multiethnic culture mirror the spirit of the Himalayas that connects Bhutan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and China.

The great rivers that flow from these shared mountains nourish hundreds of millions across the region.

China's extraordinary achievement in lifting nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty through people-centered, long-term strategies offers powerful lessons for the Global South.

Future cooperation should move beyond transactional cooperation toward genuine, long-term friendship built on mutual respect, non-interference and win-win outcomes.

Green energy, digital economy, cultural tourism, agriculture, health cooperation and people-to-people exchanges provide tremendous potential to deepen understanding and build the human bridges that make all other cooperation sustainable.

Cooperation is foundation of Asia's shared future

The world is undergoing a deep transformation, economic interdependence is deepening, and technological change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. In such a world, cooperation among neighbors is no longer optional — it is essential for stability, prosperity and peace.

China and South Asia together represent nearly half of humanity. This is not merely a geographic reality, but also a civilizational responsibility.

Former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once observed:"You can change your friends, but you cannot change your neighbors." This is not merely a reflection on geography — it is a strategic truth. Neighborhoods are permanent.

As two ancient civilizations, two major economies and two leading voices of the Global South, India and China are not only bilateral partners in complexity — they are also indispensable actors in shaping the Asian century.

When youth connect, stereotypes dissolve. When societies understand each other better, strategic space for stability expands. Let this be the century in which Asia does not merely rise, but rises together.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.