(W.E. Talk) China has wisdom and foresight and its cooperation with ASEAN 'nearly Perfect' : former Malaysian ambassador (3)

"China has its own wisdom and foresight" 

The US-Iran tensions since 2026 has had a notable impact on the global energy and economic systems. According to data from the ASEAN Centre for Energy, ASEAN countries rely on the Middle East for 55 percent of their crude oil imports.

Although regional energy security faces challenges, Majid sees this precisely as a key opportunity for deepening cooperation between ASEAN and China. 

He pointed out that energy demand is a fundamental need for ASEAN countries. Therefore, regional energy connectivity and renewable energy development are becoming meeting points for cooperation between the two sides.

"I think the hot item now is solar. China has it with full wisdom and foreseen this many years ago. China is quite prepared for this."

During the interview, Majid also described a blueprint for cooperation between the two sides in the energy sector. He said that countries with vast territories, such as Indonesia, are very suitable for building different types of solar farms. And China "has the technology, experience, and talent."

Looking ahead to China-ASEAN green development cooperation, Xu said that China has ample personnel, technology, and financial reserves in developing renewable energy, especially in the solar photovoltaic sector. Cooperation between the two sides in this field holds great promise.

In addition to energy security, food security is also a focus of current concern for ASEAN countries. On this point, Xu believes that China can provide more fertilizers and related agricultural technical support. Meanwhile, Majid emphasized supply chain diversification as a "strategic issue."

During the exchange, Majid shared a case that made the concept of "cooperation" tangible.

"We have really developed quite closely with China in the last year on vocational training," he said. In his view, the current training model has moved beyond traditional technical dependence.

"Traditional training might have been nursing, first aid, cooking, or auto repairs," Majid changed his tone, "but now the situation is completely different. We are involved in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and high technology."

He explained that if a country successfully attracts foreign investment but lacks talent with new technical skills, that approach won't work. He pointed out that China has rich experience and skill advantages in these new fields, all of which ASEAN countries need.