On 7 July 2026, Ambassador Cao Zhongming attended the China-Southeast Asia Economic and Finance Forum 2026 hosted by China International Capital Corporation (CICC) in Singapore and delivered a keynote speech.

Ambassador Cao noted that this year marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Amid severe and complex external shocks, China’s economy maintains steady momentum of growth. Against the backdrop of a sluggish global economy, China has served as a vital anchor of stability and a "safe haven". Southeast Asia constitutes a key destination for Chinese enterprises to pursue overseas cooperation. Economic, trade and financial cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries has continued to deliver benefits to businesses and people across the region. China has recently rolled out a host of new measures to open up its investment and financial sectors, unlocking new prospects for regional collaboration. China looks forward to all stakeholders seizing opportunities to jointly elevate China-Southeast Asia economic and financial cooperation to new heights and yield more tangible outcomes.

Centered on the theme "Strategic Navigation in an Era of Radical Shocks: Redefining Capital Flows and Supply Synergy", the forum drew the participation of over 200 government and business representatives from China, Singapore and other Southeast Asian economies.