中文
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasizes that China should promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.
Under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong and Macao serve as vital platforms for China's integration and development with the Asia-Pacific region, particularly ASEAN. Moreover, they have leveraged their unique advantages of being backed by the motherland while connected to the world.
Meanwhile, the continued advancement of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) enables Hong Kong and Macao to better integrate into and contribute to national development objectives.
As the blueprint for building a world-class bay area becomes reality, the GBA has gained widespread recognition among ASEAN nations, according to a survey conducted by the Great Strategic Think Tank, a Beijing-based institute focused on international exchanges, and Dataway, under the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) Knowledge Sharing project.
Widespread recognition of GBA's strategic planning
According to the survey, 77.6% of respondents in ASEAN countries encountered news or discussions about the GBA through local media or social platforms, and 51.7% follow related developments frequently or regularly. Among those exposed to such information, 79% understand the GBA's development plan and strategic positioning, while 31.5% have developed substantial awareness. Additionally, 72.1% of respondents expressed willingness to travel, study or conduct business in Hong Kong or Macao in the near future. Among those who previously visited the Chinese mainland, this proportion rises to 92%, demonstrating how Chinese modernization drives development in Hong Kong and Macao and generates spillover benefits. Deeper integration of Hong Kong and Macao into national development will open up new opportunities and enhance their international competitiveness.
Strong approval as a regional connectivity hub and economic engine
In 2024, bilateral trade between China and ASEAN reached $982.3 billion, marking China ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. According to the survey, 93.9% of respondents agree that economic cooperation with China brings significant benefits, indicating that bilateral trade and economic engagement generate tangible gains for the people of ASEAN nations.
The survey confirms the GBA's increasingly important strategic role in China-ASEAN cooperation. Results show that 88.8% believe the GBA promotes economic cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries, while 88.5% view it as a connectivity bridge. Additionally, 87.1% believe the GBA will become a core engine of Asian economic growth over the next decade.
Recognition as a complementary, reliable partner
ASEAN respondents view the GBA as an ideal partner with complementary strengths, reflecting a shift in bilateral expectations from investment opportunities to innovation cooperation. Additionally, 85.4% hope their country or institution will explore deeper cooperation with the GBA over the next three years, highlighting the strong regional appeal of ensuring long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao.
Regarding cooperation sectors, respondents identified the most beneficial areas as trade and logistics (56.5%), scientific and technological innovation (54%) and financial services (47.9%). Among these, Malaysian respondents showed the greatest interest in trade and logistics (61%) and scientific and technological innovation (62.2%), while Indonesian respondents focused primarily on financial services (52%).
ASEAN respondents widely recognize the GBA as the latest successful practice of "one country, two systems." They hope their countries will strengthen strategic alignment with the GBA and expect it to become a solid foundation for building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future. They also anticipate that the region will continue to function as a hub for innovation, finance, and talent, driving shared development and long-term prosperity across China and Southeast Asia.
Conducted online from September to October 2025, the survey polled 5,249 respondents across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Participants were aged 18 to 64 and held at least a bachelor's degree.
