At the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, the Guangxi delegation proposed the establishment of the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Innovation Cooperation Center, which marks a new chapter in digital collaboration between China and ASEAN countries.

The past few years have seen rapid growth in digital cooperation between China and ASEAN, creating new opportunities for regional development. Key initiatives include the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center and the port of the Friendship Pass, which incorporate advanced AI and 5G technologies to enable fully automated customs and freight operations. With these innovations, the port aims to streamline logistics, improve customs efficiency, and boost cross-border trade, exemplifying the potential of digital technologies to accelerate economic integration.

China's investment in ASEAN's digital infrastructure is also expanding. The establishment of cross-border optical fiber networks and data centers in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia highlights the region's growing interconnectedness. In addition to bilateral cooperation, China and ASEAN countries have signed several memorandums of understanding to deepen digital economic ties. The recent inclusion of a digital economy chapter in the version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement sets the stage for a more integrated digital ecosystem, with expectations that ASEAN's digital economy will reach two trillion USD by 2030.

As the digital economy evolves, talent development plays a crucial role. Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Huawei are actively contributing to this effort, partnering with local governments and universities to offer digital training programs. These initiatives are preparing the next generation of digital professionals, ensuring that ASEAN countries can fully harness the benefits of digital transformation.

Commenting on the collaboration, Thai Deputy Prime Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the significance of China's achievements in digital economy development. "China's success in areas such as 5G, AI, and infrastructure has the potential to empower ASEAN countries in their own digital transformation efforts," he said. Furthermore, Xu Liping, a researcher at the Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted that the increasing political trust and shared development goals between China and ASEAN are solid foundations for strengthening digital cooperation. He said that, "The complementary advantages of China's digital technologies and ASEAN's dynamic market create a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity for both regions."

With robust cooperation frameworks and technological advancements in place, the future of China-ASEAN digital collaboration looks promising. The strengthening of digital infrastructure, combined with talent cultivation and policy alignment, will drive economic growth and foster long-term prosperity for both regions, making the digital economy a key pillar of China-ASEAN relations.