Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong delivered a powerful message at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai: the world needs 'constructive coupling' over divisive decoupling. 🌍✨ With global growth at stake, his insights highlight how collaboration—not competition—can unlock prosperity.
Why ASEAN and China Matter
China, now the world's second-largest economy (18% of global GDP!), has lifted millions from poverty and supercharged regional trade. ASEAN, a 680-million-strong market, is China's top trading partner, with two-way investments exceeding $340 billion. 🤝 \"ASEAN and China are natural collaborators,\" Goh emphasized, pointing to their landmark Free Trade Agreement and leadership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade bloc.
The Road Ahead
Goh warned that decoupling would slash global growth and disproportionately hurt developing nations. Instead, he urged:
Strengthening the UN-backed international order 🌐
Expanding trade pacts like RCEP and CPTPP 📈
Embracing a 'prosper-thy-neighbor' mindset
\"Play positive-sum games, not zero-sum,\" he said, advocating for upgraded ASEAN-China ties to boost supply chains and food security.
Youth in Focus
With ASEAN's middle class booming, cross-border innovation and green tech could redefine Asia's future. As Goh put it: \"Win-win outcomes start with bridges, not walls.\" 🚀
