On September 16, 2026, the Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2030) (hereinafter referred to as “the Framework”) was officially launched during the ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum 2026. Representatives from Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China and local authorities, the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN member states, and UN agencies attended the launching ceremony.

Since the launch of ASEAN-China environmental cooperation, the two sides have formulated and implemented successive editions of the Framework, steadily building the two platforms of the ASEAN-China Dialogue on Ecological Environmental Protection and Response to Climate Change and the ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum. Through in-depth policy dialogue, capacity building, joint research and demonstration cooperation, they have jointly fostered flagship initiatives such as the Climate Innovation Network and the Green Value Chain Partnership. Regional capacity for environmental governance and climate change response has been steadily strengthened, the circle of ASEAN member states engaged in regional environmental and climate cooperation has kept growing, and cooperation networks have grown increasingly close, making important contributions to sustainable development in the region.

Preparation of the Framework began in 2025. After multiple rounds of consultation and joint refinement between the Chinese side and the ASEAN Secretariat and member states, it was officially approved in July 2026. The Framework serves as a concrete step by the two sides to implement the Global Development Initiative and build the peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home for China and ASEAN, and as an important measure to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, advance the region’s green and low-carbon transition, and jointly tackle environmental and climate challenges.

As the overarching guiding document for environmental and climate change cooperation between China and ASEAN member states, the Framework identifies five strategic directions for deepening practical cooperation: Environmental and Climate Policy Dialogue and Capacity Building; Sustainable Cities and Green Low-Carbon Cycle Development; Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Improvement; Ecosystem Sustainable Management and Biodiversity Conservation; Green Investment and Sustainable Finance. It provides green support for the implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026–2030) and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan.