Asian economies should leverage their complementary strengths in artificial intelligence (AI) to foster practical cooperation, particularly in manufacturing, experts suggested at a symposium in Beijing on October 30, 2026. The event, titled “Economic Cooperation in Northeast Asia Against the Backdrop of a Dynamic Asia-Pacific Region,” was organized by the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University and China Daily’s Opinion Channel.
During the symposium, participants discussed the potential to enhance regional collaboration by integrating strengths in semiconductor materials, memory chips, and industrial applications. Challenges such as export controls, diverse data regulations, and security concerns were also addressed. Ni Yueju, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized the unique capabilities of Northeast Asian economies. She noted that while some countries excel in semiconductor materials and precision components, others are strong in advanced memory chips, with China leading in AI applications and engineering.
According to Ni, these complementary capabilities present opportunities for cooperation along the AI supply chain. However, she cautioned that rising geopolitical tensions and differing regulations necessitate the pursuit of projects that offer clear commercial benefits with low political sensitivity.
Lim Guan Chye, director of Commercial Banking Training at the Asian Banking School in Malaysia, stressed the importance of trust in sustaining cooperation. “Connection does not automatically produce cooperation, and growth does not automatically produce shared prosperity,” he stated. He advocated for shared standards, digital capabilities, and cross-border risk management, along with investment in skills development for workers and smaller enterprises.
Hyun Sang Baek, chief representative of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy’s Beijing office, identified areas such as AI manufacturing, industrial robotics, and smart manufacturing as promising opportunities for initial collaboration. He highlighted that common challenges like industrial upgrading and population aging create incentives for cooperation among diverse Northeast Asian nations.
Phou Sambath from Cambodia’s Royal University of Phnom Penh illustrated potential applications of AI, such as defect detection in factories and improved logistics planning for agriculture. He urged for investments in digital skills, knowledge transfer, and compatible systems to enable smaller businesses and developing economies to engage in these initiatives. “We need to move from dialogue to joint projects and real-world solutions,” Sambath stated.
Professor Li Dongxin from Shandong University’s School of Northeast Asian Studies noted that despite increasing competition in the region, existing production networks and technological ties remain intact. He argued that the costs associated with replacing suppliers and adapting technical interfaces incentivize continued collaboration among regional economies.
