Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Viet Nam, Malaysia and Cambodia on April 14-18. This was a high-profile neighborhood diplomatic move by China at a time when the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century.

This visit not only was important for China's relations with these three countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but also injected new momentum into regional and global peace and development. 

China has long upheld a policy of fostering friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, striving to create a harmonious and friendly regional environment. At the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries in Beijing on April 8-9, China reaffirmed its commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity, and strengthening amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood relations. It also underlined the importance of upholding the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness as the foundation for regional cooperation.

Xi's visit to the three Southeast Asian countries immediately after the conference underscored the Chinese Government's commitment to its words. China's relations with its neighbors today are stronger than at any time in modern history, even as regional dynamics become ever more connected to global shifts.

Building a community with a shared future requires China to deepen strategic trust with neighboring nations while supporting regional stability and sustainable development. Through dialogue, differences can be managed. Through enhanced connectivity and supply chain cooperation, economic integration can flourish. Security collaboration addresses shared risks, while expanded cultural and people-to-people exchange build lasting bonds.

Today, the world faces uncertainty and instability due to sluggish global economic recovery, the rise of trade protectionism and intensified geopolitical conflicts. Against this backdrop, strengthening cooperation between China and ASEAN is particularly urgent and important. Xi's visit to the three Southeast Asian countries demonstrated China's confidence in teaming up with its neighbors to address global challenges.