China, SE Asia economic and financial ties discussed at Singapore forum

Government officials, investors, and business leaders from China and Southeast Asia gathered in Singapore on July 7 to discuss investment opportunities, cross-border capital flows, and supply chain collaboration.

Speaking at the 4th China-Southeast Asia Economic and Finance Forum, Liang Dongqing, member of the Management Committee of the China International Capital Corporation Limited and secretary to the Board of Directors, said artificial intelligence, innovative pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing are becoming new engines of growth.

Highlighting China's economic resilience in her speech, Liang, also president of CICC International, emphasized that CICC remains committed to its guiding philosophy of "Chinese Roots, International Reach", serving as a bridge for Chinese companies pursuing globalization and for international partners participating in Asia's capital markets.

Organized by CICC, the forum was held under the theme "Redefining Capital Flows and Supply Chain Synergy". Over 200 government officials, institutional investors, and business leaders from across the region participated in the event.

In a keynote speech, Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming said the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, and that solidarity, openness and cooperation are essential for countries to jointly address development risks.

Cao noted that China's economy has continued to make steady progress, while China and Southeast Asia have built a solid foundation for trade and financial cooperation, with broad room for future collaboration.

Michael Syn, president of SGX Group, or Singapore Exchange, said global capital markets are undergoing a structural shift, with capital being realigned toward markets that offer stability, trust and sustainable returns.

Syn said that the China-Southeast Asia corridor reflects this dynamic, while yuan financing is seeing broader adoption across regional trade, infrastructure and liquidity management.

Stephen Ng, head of CICC Southeast Asia and South Asia and CEO of CICC Singapore, said that the significance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on the global stage continues to grow, with the region actively shaping global trends.

As China moves up the value chain into electric vehicles, semiconductors and renewable energy, Ng said ASEAN is emerging as a natural partner with its critical minerals, manufacturing capacity and growing consumer market.

Other speakers shared their perspectives during the forum, exchanging views on topics from commodity cycles amid geopolitical uncertainty to agentic artificial intelligence and equity market strategy.

Reza Yamora Siregar, managing director and chief economist of Danantara Indonesia, shared insights on the global macro outlook. Kevin Liu, chief offshore China and overseas strategist of CICC Research, discussed China's growth divide and the next stage of market opportunities.