Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized on Tuesday the importance of all parties resolutely upholding the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and working together to foster a stable and orderly international market environment.

Li made the remarks when addressing the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Economic Forum 2025.

The successful convening of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit opened up a new chapter in trilateral cooperation, Li said, adding that the summit featured in-depth discussions on the theme of "Synergizing Economic Opportunities Towards Shared Prosperity," which held great significance.

He said in today's world, joining hands to address challenges is in itself a way of creating opportunities.

In the face of escalating geopolitical conflicts and confrontations, Li said, it is believed that staying committed to deepening mutual trust and enhancing solidarity can create long-term strategic opportunities and achieve sustained and stable development.

He called on China, ASEAN and the GCC countries to remain committed to greater openness and work together to remove barriers in the face of rising protectionism and unilateralism in some parts of the world.

The Chinese premier pointed out that the friendly cooperation among China, ASEAN and GCC countries has a long history and deep roots.

Standing on such a solid historical foundation, trilateral cooperation is bound to deliver new achievements and a brighter future, Li said, adding that there will be broader space for development, higher levels of economic efficiency and a more vibrant innovation ecosystem for the three sides.

Speaking of development trends, China's economy has shown continued recovery and improvement since the beginning of this year, fully demonstrating its strong resilience, Li said.

He noted that China has clearly articulated a more proactive macro policy orientation and will continue to strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments.

Strategically, China will focus more on expanding domestic demand and strengthening domestic circulation, continuously enhancing the intrinsic driving forces of the economy, the premier said.

Li stated that China will continue to expand high-level opening up. He added that both the Chinese government and its people have the capability and confidence to keep the "big ship" of the Chinese economy sailing steadily and far, despite facing various challenges ahead.

When addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit issued a joint statement, sending a strong message of trilateral solidarity and cooperation.

Anwar noted that China is an important partner for countries of ASEAN and GCC, playing an important role in promoting economic development, maintaining peace and stability, and upholding international fairness and justice.

ASEAN adheres to the principles of independence and self-reliance, and is committed to deepening its partnerships with China and the GCC, and reinforcing mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and investment to make greater contributions to regional and global prosperity and stability, said Anwar.

(With input from Xinhua)