The ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) hosted "Dialogue for a Better Understanding of China" event at the headquarters of the Xiaomi Corporation on Friday.

The 2026 edition of the event was organized with a view to promoting understanding of the key outcomes of China's latest two sessions gathering and the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) among diplomatic envoys from ASEAN nations.

The event featured keynote presentations by and discussion with Dr Xu Liping from the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Dr Ma Xiaofang from the Department of Economics, National Academy of Governance. Alain Lam, vice-president and CFO of Xiaomi Corporation, also presented a corporate perspective.

Approximately 60 participants attended the event, including ASEAN Member States (AMS) ambassadors Pehin Dato Rahmani from Brunei, Soeung Rathchavy from Cambodia, Zaw Win Myint from Myanmar, Jaime A. FlorCruz from the Philippines, Chatchai Viriyavejakul from Thailand, as well as representatives from the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Xiaomi.

In his opening remarks, Shi Zhongjun, secretary general of the ACC, noted that 2026 is the inaugural year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, the first year of implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) (2026-2030), and the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN China CSP.

He said that this year's two sessions gathering of China's top legislature and political advisory body was extremely significant, given the adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Government Work Report, which focus on high-quality development and set out key priorities in areas including steady growth, scientific and technological innovation, green development, and people's well-being.

He added that these documents not only chart the course for China's future development, but also inject greater certainty and confidence into a turbulent world, while offering a broad range of opportunities for deepening ASEAN-China cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of AMS ambassadors to China, Jaime FlorCruz from the Philippines thanked the ACC for promoting a better understanding of China. He noted that the strategic priorities highlighted in China's 15th Five-Year Plan, including industrial self-reliance, technological advancement and economic resilience, resonate among ASEAN members.

As China's comprehensive strategic partner and its largest trading bloc, ASEAN has a lot to learn about China's vision for its future and for the region and is ready to be a steady partner in China's quest to achieve its new five-year plan, FlorCruz said.

He added that, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and as the 2026 ASEAN chair, the Philippines is ready to work with China and fellow member states to uphold the spirit of amity and cooperation while navigating unpredictable and difficult times, working together towards a shared prosperity.

In their presentations, Dr Xu Liping and Dr Ma Xiaofang elaborated on the 15th Five-Year Plan and ASEAN-China cooperation, using data and charts to highlight China's achievements in economic development, scientific and technological innovation, industrial input, two-way investment, global value chains and the Belt and Road Initiative.

They emphasized that the latest plan came at a critical stage of China's modernization drive, is characterized by continuity and forward-looking vision with strategic guidance, practical efficiency and a people-centred approach. They further noted that the plan focuses on building five major systems: economic development, innovation-driven growth, people's well-being, green and low-carbon development, and security guarantees.

They said the plan is expected to generate new opportunities in the digital, green, blue, and tourism economies, while injecting new impetus into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

ASEAN diplomats also discussed AI, environmental protection, innovation incentives, new quality productive forces, high-end industrial chain cooperation, and ASEAN-China collaboration in innovation with Chinese experts and the Xiaomi representative.