Green economic collaboration between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become a critical driver for sustainable development in the region, according to Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre.
- Chinese enterprises accounted for $5.2 billion in energy-related greenfield projects in ASEAN between 2019 and 2023.
- Bilateral trade reached 6.82 trillion yuan ($1 trillion) in the first 11 months of 2025, an 8.5 percent year-on-year increase.
- Investment in hydropower, wind, and photovoltaic projects grew more than fivefold between 2014 and 2024.
Speaking as both parties mark the fifth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, Shi highlighted the green economy as a foundational pillar of the relationship.
The framework for this partnership is detailed in the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-30). The plan emphasizes green industrialization, the application of emerging energy technologies, and the mobilization of green investment.
Drivers of China-ASEAN Green Economy Cooperation
Data from Zero Carbon Analytics identifies China as the leading source of public clean energy investment for the region from 2013 to 2023, while also leading in clean energy trade with major ASEAN markets.
Shi noted a natural synergy between the two parties, stating that China offers a complete green industry chain and mature development experience, while ASEAN provides abundant renewable energy resources and vast market potential.
This synergy is reflected in trade growth. In the first 11 months of 2025, a significant driver of the $1 trillion bilateral trade volume was China’s increasing exports of electric vehicles.
Infrastructure and Energy Impact
Regional energy capacity has seen exponential growth. By the end of 2024, the installed capacity of cooperative hydropower, wind, and photovoltaic projects increased 15-fold compared to 2014.
Key examples of this collaboration include the Sejingkat energy storage project in Malaysia and the Monsoon Wind Power project in Laos.
In Cambodia, the Lower Sesan II hydropower station, completed in 2018, produces 1.97 billion kilowatt-hours annually. The facility meets the electricity needs of approximately 2.6 million people.
The Lower Sesan II project also incorporates a decade-long training program for Cambodian electrical engineers. By 2025, over 20 Cambodian engineers were employed at the facility under mentorship from Chinese experts.
A Model for the Global South
Shi framed the partnership as a scalable model for Global South collaboration, based on mutual respect and equality without attached political conditions.
Collaborative efforts include a low-carbon demonstration zone in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk Province, established in 2019. China has supported this initiative with photovoltaic systems, solar streetlights, and capacity-building training.
Additionally, joint research in the karst critical zone between China and Cambodia was recognized by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation for its contribution to sustainable development.
By advancing carbon neutrality and the goals of the Paris Agreement, the partnership aims to safeguard the interests of the Global South and contribute to global climate governance.
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