Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed strong support for the ASEAN Community and its central role in regional and international cooperation during his visit to Laos. He emphasized the importance of deepening ties between China and ASEAN, highlighting significant growth in two-way trade, which reached $552 billion in the first half of the year, marking a 7.7% increase year-on-year. At the same time, China's commitment to the peace and prosperity of the African Great Lakes region was reiterated by its UN representatives, who called for solidarity among regional nations amidst ongoing violence and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. China affirmed its readiness to support the DRC and other affected areas in safeguarding sovereignty and enhancing security, urging armed groups to adhere to cease-fire agreements. As the region faces rising uncertainties, China aims to work collaboratively with ASEAN and other countries to promote stability and shared development. This multifaceted approach underlines China's strategy of fostering cooperative relationships across different global regions.