On the morning of March 25, Professor Chi Fulin, President of the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD), attended the Expert Media Briefing on the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Report 2025. During the event, Professor Chi responded to questions from Chinese and international journalists on topics including China-Russia economic and trade relations and RCEP.

Professor Chi emphasized the importance of Asia—particularly RCEP led by ASEAN. In the context of mounting challenges to economic globalization, RCEP has become a key strategic platform for advancing regional economic integration. He noted that the imminent signing of the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the potential progress in China-Japan- the Republic of Korea (ROK) FTA negotiations could help transform RCEP from a regional agreement into a cross-regional free trade arrangement, injecting new momentum into regional cooperation. Against this backdrop, the Boao Forum for Asia is playing an increasingly important role in promoting both Asian integration and regional economic cooperation.

In response to questions on China-Russia relations, Professor Chi stated that Russia remains a key focus amid the shifting global landscape. Given the complexity of future Russia–U.S. relations, he stressed that it is essential for Russia to proactively and pragmatically strengthen its economic and trade cooperation with Asia.