The Boao Forum for Asia is often described as Asia’s equivalent of the Davos World Economic Forum, bringing together leaders from government, business and academia to discuss global issues.
Other speakers at the forum on Thursday included Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who called on China to champion open, rules-based trade and support regional stability as global fragmentation deepens.
South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also delivered a speech at the forum.
In a video address, he highlighted three priorities – innovation, institutions and interconnection – as countries navigate rising global uncertainty.
He highlighted South Korea’s role in advancing emerging technologies, including AI, as part of efforts to drive growth and strengthen digital governance, saying countries should “apply innovative technologies … and establish trustworthy digital governance”.
Kim had been scheduled to attend the conference in person, but cancelled the trip to oversee an emergency economic task force set up in response to the escalating Middle East conflict.
He said regional platforms such as APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership could help improve trade predictability and strengthen supply chain resilience amid growing uncertainty.
Kim also touched on bilateral ties between South Korea and China.
“Korea and China are like ships sailing together in the same sea, heading in the same direction,” he said, adding that this spirit of cooperation applies not only to the two countries, but across Asia.
“Only when countries in the region rally together based on trust will we be able to turn these challenges into new opportunities.”
He added that “regional cooperation is not completed solely through agreements between governments”, stressing the importance of people-to-people ties in sustaining long-term trust.
Around 2,000 representatives from over 60 countries and regions are attending this year’s conference, which runs from Mar 24 to 27.
Founded in 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia has become a key platform for China to outline its priorities and engage regional partners.
The forum marks its 25th anniversary this year, with the theme being “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation”.