China has proposed a broad initiative to deepen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on digital governance, outlining plans to collaborate on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, and cross-border data flows.
The initiative builds on President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, introduced in September 2025, which calls for a more just and equitable global governance system. China framed cyberspace as a shared domain requiring cooperation rather than fragmentation, citing uneven development, inadequate rules, and inequitable digital orders as growing challenges facing the global digital economy.
On cybersecurity, China proposed establishing more efficient emergency response mechanisms with ASEAN countries to improve the detection, analysis, and handling of cross-border cyber incidents. The initiative includes plans to strengthen threat information sharing, explore the creation of a China–ASEAN cybersecurity threat intelligence platform, and expand joint training, seminars, and cybersecurity drills. China also said ASEAN partners are welcome to use an AI-powered phishing detection system developed in China to bolster regional cyber defenses.
In the area of AI governance, China pledged to implement its Global AI Governance Initiative in coordination with ASEAN states. The proposal emphasizes cooperation on risk mitigation, security standards, and the development of policies, laws, and regulations aimed at preventing misuse of AI technologies. China also encouraged exchanges between Chinese and ASEAN AI companies, universities, and research institutions to promote interoperability of standards and the sharing of best practices. Beijing said it seeks closer coordination with ASEAN countries in multilateral forums such as the United Nations to jointly shape global AI governance rules.
The initiative also places significant emphasis on cross-border data flows. China proposed greater transparency and predictability in data transfer rules and cooperation on aligning regulatory frameworks. This includes advancing joint guidance comparing ASEAN model contractual clauses with China’s standard contracts for cross-border personal data transfers, as well as exploring pilot arrangements to facilitate secure and efficient data flows.
China said the initiative aims to support closer economic and digital integration and to build a “China–ASEAN community with a shared future.”
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