Malaysian scholar Koh King Kee delivers a video address at the Global Times Annual Conference 2026 on December 20, 2025, in Beijing. Photo: GT

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026 took place in Beijing on Saturday, under the theme of "Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities." During the discussion on the topic "A symbiotic country: new explorations in how major countries interact with their neighbors," Koh King Kee (Koh), president of Centre for New Inclusive Asia, Malaysia, stated that if we look at the trajectory of China's relations with its neighbors over the past decade, we see a consistent pattern: China seeks partnership, not alliance; dialogue, not confrontation; development, not dominance.

The following is the full text of Koh's remarks:

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a very good day to everyone.

It is my great pleasure to join you today, to reflect on the theme that carries profound relevance for our region and for the wider world. That is building a community of shared future for mankind, and how this vision continues to guide China's approach to good neighborly relations.

We are now living through a time of profound transformation. The forces of globalization are shifting and uncertainties, from economic fragility to climate change, continue to test the resilience of our global community. In such an era, the question before us is no longer how nations can coexist. The real question is how we can co-prosper, co-develop, and co-govern a world that is more interconnected than ever before.

China's answer to this question is encapsulated in a vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. This vision is not a vague idea or just aspirational. It is rooted in China's millennia-old philosophical tradition, and shaped by the urgent realities of today's global governance. It emphasizes mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation.

And I believe that no nation can achieve lasting security or prosperity at the expense of another's. The concept is not merely an expression of China's goodwill. It is the guiding principle of China's policies toward its neighbors and the world. And now allow me to elaborate on a few points.

First, China upholds the principle of mutual respect and equality. China's diplomatic tradition has long emphasized the idea that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. In practice, this means respecting each nation's sovereignty, development path and cultural identity. China does not seek to impose its model on others, nor does it believe that one civilization can dictate the direction of another in a region as diverse as ours. Mutual respect becomes the foundation for genuine trust.

Second, China pursues win-win cooperation as a cornerstone of neighborhood diplomacy. Economic interdependence today is no longer a choice, but a reality. China's partnership with ASEAN and other neighbors demonstrates how shared development can bind us closer together - from trade and investment to digital connectivity, from infrastructure development to clean energy collaboration.

Third, China is committed to peaceful settlement of disputes and peaceful coexistence with all nations. China understands that peace and stability is the foundation of development. Peaceful coexistence is not merely a diplomatic slogan. It is essential for ensuring that our region remains one of the most dynamic and promising in the world. 

Fourth, China advocates for inclusive security and common development. China supports regional mechanisms that provide equal voices to all countries, large and small, and encourages approaches that address the root causes of insecurity, not merely the symptoms. This includes cooperation in disaster management, public health, food security, climate change, and emerging domains such as cyber and digital governance.

Fifth, China believes in the power of cultural understanding and people-to-people bonds. Neighborhood relations are not built by governments alone. It goes to exchanges among students, tourists, entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, and other communities. As we deepen cultural and societal linkages, we also strengthen the emotional foundation for long-term peace and cooperation.

If we look at the trajectory of China's relations with its neighbors over the past decade, we see a consistent pattern: China seeks partnership, not alliance; dialogue, not confrontation; development, not dominance. This approach is grounded in the belief that China's development cannot be separated from the development of its neighbors. And equally importantly, the prosperity of the region cannot be achieved without China's constructive engagement as well.