Green economics thrives on synergy between China, ASEAN

The Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended in early April, saw Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers dominating booking orders. Chinese brands, led by BYD, secured a remarkable seven of the top 10 spots.

According to an analysis by energy think tank Ember, ASEAN countries now have some of the highest EV sales penetration rates in the world. Fueling this transition is the deepening cooperation between China and ASEAN in the green economy.

Chinese EV companies are not just entering the Southeast Asian market, but are also helping build local industrial ecosystems to support ASEAN's green transition.

SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co, for example, holds over 37 percent of Indonesia's EV market share, according to Xiao Qiang, the company's overseas business department general manager.

"Indonesia is also Wuling's first overseas base with a full industry chain. Its local plant, operational since 2017, has an annual capacity of 120,000 vehicles, partners with 60 local suppliers, and has trained over 300 local professionals," said Xiao.

With the launch of its latest battery production line last year, Wuling has introduced its core EV technologies — battery, motor, and electronic control — into Indonesia, catalyzing an upgrade of the local automotive supply chain, Xiao added.

The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol last year has further cemented green economic cooperation. For the first time, the protocol provides clear definitions for key concepts related to the green economy and commits to not using environmental standards as a guise for trade protectionism.

Experts believe the rising importance of green collaboration between China and ASEAN is driven by shared development goals, complementary strengths, and external challenges.

Chen Zhihua, associate professor at the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University, pointed to the strong complementary advantages in resources, technology, and industry between China and ASEAN.

With a population exceeding 690 million, ASEAN's accelerating urbanization and industrialization are creating a massive demand for electricity and a pressing need for clean energy technologies and green infrastructure, he said.

"Chinese companies possess the engineering and financing capabilities to undertake large-scale energy projects, helping to bridge the infrastructure and investment gap ASEAN faces," Chen said.

"The cooperation between China and ASEAN is not a one-way street of aid or export but a mutually dependent partnership. China needs ASEAN's markets, resources, and manufacturing bases to extend its green industrial chain, while ASEAN needs China's technology, capital, and engineering capabilities to achieve energy transition. This deep structural complementarity gives the cooperation intrinsic momentum and sustainability."