ABSTRACT
In January 2007, at the 11th China–ASEAN Summit, China stated that it is willing to actively consider building a number of economic and trade cooperation zones with advanced infrastructure, complete industrial chains, high levels of linkages, driving force and regional influence in the ASEAN countries on the basis of mutual benefit and reciprocity, so as to achieve mutual benefit and common development with ASEAN countries at a higher level. 1 In the 11th China–ASEAN Summit hosted in November 2007, China advocated strengthening connectivity in highways, railways, waterways, aviation and information communications to meet the growing need for bilateral trade cooperation, which was widely responded by ASEAN leaders. 2
