China's capabilities in artificial intelligence, 5G, photovoltaic equipment and new-energy vehicles can be combined with ASEAN's demand for smart cities, agricultural digitalization and clean energy, creating opportunities for the two sides to move from technology transfers toward joint research, investment and product development, he added.

　　Green cooperation is also expanding from equipment trade to investment and infrastructure. A 1,000-megawatt PV project developed by State-owned China General Nuclear Power Corp began operations in April in Laos.

　　Located in Oudomxay province, the solar farm is expected to generate 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

　　Pov said further gains will depend on whether China and ASEAN can deepen cooperation in both rule-setting and industrial development. The two sides could explore closer coordination in areas such as e-commerce, cross-border data flows, mutual recognition of carbon footprints and green finance, alongside more joint investment and research projects.

　　For manufacturers, closer regional supply chain ties are already translating into greater cross-border sourcing. Ningbo Asia Pulp and Paper Co in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, imported 303 million yuan worth of wood chips from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries between January and August, up 20.12 percent year-on-year, according to Ningbo Customs.

　　"The wood chips sourced from these countries offer reliable quality and stable supplies and fit well with our green, circular production model," said Chen Xilin, the company's customs affairs manager.

　　Chen said the company has steadily increased wood chip imports from Vietnam, using the raw material to produce higher-value products such as food-grade coated paperboard and aseptic packaging paper for both domestic and overseas markets.