In a significant move to bolster regional stability and economic growth, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have pledged to deepen their collaborative efforts. This commitment was underscored during the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China Week in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, where officials emphasized the necessity of aligning their development visions to navigate the challenges posed by unilateralism and economic fragmentation. The event, themed ‘Our shared future: Bridging ASEAN 2045 and Chinese modernization,’ highlighted the strong economic ties between the two regions, with China and ASEAN being each other’s largest trading partners for consecutive years. Shi Zhongjun, secretary-general of the ASEAN-China Centre, articulated the compatibility of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with China’s modernization goals, both prioritizing sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusive development. The week-long event, co-hosted by the Fujian Provincial People’s Government and the ASEAN-China Centre, also saw the release of the Report on ASEAN-China Trade and Investment Cooperation (2024-2025), which detailed the robust economic partnership between the two entities. The report reaffirmed the transformative impact of China’s modernization on the region, with ASEAN and China working together to build a resilient, innovative, and prosperous community. The officials called for unity and solidarity to champion Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, aiming to bring greater stability and certainty to the region.