KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties from 29 countries neighbouring China concluded a two-day summit, pledging to deepen regional cooperation while promoting a shared future based on mutual trust, economic collaboration and cultural exchange.

The event, titled “CPC in Dialogue with Political Parties of Neighbouring Countries”, brought together leaders from over 40 political parties as well as representatives from governments, think tanks, media outlets and the business community.

It was hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Among those who represented Malaysia were MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, DAP vice-chairman Teo Nie Ching and Amanah vice-president Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli.

Themed “Building a Community with a Shared Future with Neighbouring Countries: Political Parties in Action”, the participants engaged in in-depth discussions and offered views and proposals on enhancing political mutual trust, safeguarding peace and stability, promoting practical cooperation and strengthening governance experience sharing.

A joint initiative — outlined several key points of consensus, reflecting broad support for a vision of strengthened ties across political, economic and cultural dimensions — was issued later.

In the document, participants affirmed a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and development.

They emphasised the interconnected nature of China and its neighbours, describing their geographical and cultural proximity as the foundation for a community with a shared future.

“Amidst exacerbating global turbulence and chaos, the world yearns for stability and direction more than ever before.

“Under the new circumstances, accelerating the building of a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries will not only benefit regional prosperity and people’s well-being, but also offer a shining example for promoting the vision,” the statement read.

The political parties were identified as essential forces in this process, with delegates agreeing that their roles as policy leaders and public opinion shapers give them the ability and responsibility to promote regional unity.

The joint initiative also reaffirmed support for multilateralism and economic globalisation, calling these “irreversible trends” that support the collective development of all nations and the progress of humanity.

It pledged a firm rejection of unilateralism, protectionism and “economic bullying”.

In the statement, strategic mutual trust was described as “a vital guarantee” for regional cooperation, with signatories voicing support for each nation’s right to determine its own development path.

“We stand ready to enhance strategic communication on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest, and seek to properly manage our differences.

“Party-to-party dialogue and cooperation mechanisms will be further leveraged to strengthen exchanges among central and local governments and legislative bodies, with an aim to solidify the political foundation between China and its neighbouring countries,” it added.

Integrated development was highlighted as a key enabler of a shared future with participants voicing strong support for China’s Global Development Initiative, which aims to pool efforts to tackle challenges and promote post-Covid recovery, among others.

“We support China and its neighbouring countries in aligning their development strategies, pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expanding collaboration in digital, green economy and artificial intelligence.”

On the issue of peace and security, the dialogue endorsed China’s Global Security Initiative and called for the development of an Asian model of security rooted in inclusivity, dialogue and mutual respect.

Participants acknowledged the rising global peace deficit and expressed urgency in safeguarding Asia’s stability.

The initiative also emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties, calling for the promotion of Asian values of peace, cooperation and inclusiveness while encouraging the preservation and innovation of regional cultures.

The dialogue, held earlier this week, marked a renewed effort by China and its neighbours to align regional strategies and deepen cooperation amid mounting global uncertainty.