Muhammad Zamir Assadi, a journalist with Independent News Pakistan, noted that China and ASEAN have given a high priority to the bilateral relationship, now elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, by keeping an eye on their closer ties.

"The upgrading of relations is purely based on the general needs of the region at large, which is not going to affect any third party in this journey of smooth relationship and understanding," Assadi said.

He also added China and ASEAN have become each other's largest trading partners, most trusted partners, and most dynamic strategic partners, and have served as an important pillar for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.