China–Asean Relations July 2018 To September 2018: Chronology of Events

As a research institute based in Singapore, the EAI monitors developments in relations and interactions between China and the individual countries of Southeast Asia as well as the ASEAN grouping as a whole. This material is presented in the form of (i) a chronology of events and (ii) important documents.

—the Editors

JULY 2018

1st	The Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan, convenes ministers from 16 participating countries, i.e. the 10 ASEAN economies and six countries (Japan, China, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India). They reaffirm their resolve to conclude negotiations of the RCEP and welcome efforts by participating countries to improve market access, rules on e-commerce, intellectual property, customs procedures and trade facilitation.
2nd	Cambodia and China celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo attend a gala dinner in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In his speech, Hun Sen thanks China for the financial and technical support which contributes to Cambodia's socio-economic development. He also praises China's Belt and Road Initiative as a form of connectivity cooperation to strengthen partnership and promote "win-win" development.
4th	The Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa Foundation (also known as Student Volunteers Foundation) in Sarawak, Malaysia—an organisation launched in 2012 as a wholly owned entity of Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education—organises a two-week volunteerism immersion programme. The programme brings 200 university students from ASEAN and China together to the local communities and trains them to plan and implement social activities, develop academic and career counselling centres, upgrade agri-biotechnology in identified areas, and promote awareness of information and communication technology.
1th–12th	The China–ASEAN Clean Energy Vehicle Forum, held in Shanghai, China, draws officials and experts from both China and ASEAN to discuss effective cooperation mechanisms in new energy car development, especially in areas such as technical exchange, regulations and public services. Effective exchange mechanisms, including summit forums, technical seminars and onsite visits, will play a vital role in strengthening China–ASEAN trade and investment ties. The conference will pave the way for regular contact that can extend to areas such as technical research, management experience-sharing, regulation coordination and testing services. China—which has over two million new-energy vehicles and capability of more than 100 technical standards—is in a good position to share its expertise and experience with the ASEAN nations and help them grow.
12th	The commemorative reception for the 15th anniversary of the ASEAN–China Strategic Partnership and the launch of the ASEAN–China photo exhibition themed "Living in Harmony" are held at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi and Ambassador of China to ASEAN Huang Xilian officiate at the ceremony. The photo exhibition presents vivid images of the land and people of China and ASEAN member countries. It is noteworthy that China, the first country that signed the strategic partnership with ASEAN, is the largest trade partner of the grouping, while ASEAN is China's third-largest trade partner.
13th–16th	The ASEAN–China Youth Summer Camp, organised by the ASEAN–China Center, is held in Beijing and Chengdu, China. The four-day programme brings together 26 students from ASEAN countries and South Korea to promote cultural interaction and understanding of China.
16th–24th	The Second ASEAN–China Youth Camp themed "Magnificent Sarawak" kicks off at Kuching, Malaysia. The nine-day programme offers 25 Chinese young delegates an experience of the local community, sightseeing and interactions with students in Kuching. Organised by digital media company Mulu Global Media, the programme is under the Belt and Road Initiative and is an extension of the ASEAN Cultural Week.
18th	China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi receives the Special Envoy of the Malaysian Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Eminent Persons Tun Daim Zainuddin in Beijing. Wang highlights that both countries are not only comprehensive strategic partners but also practical cooperation partners. The Chinese side is ready to work with...