10 February 2026

WSD Handa Distinguished Annual Lecture 2026: The ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Key information

Date: 10 February 2026
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Venue: SOAS Gallery
Room: SOAS Gallery Lecture Theatre
Event type: Lecture

About this event

The ASEAN-China partnership has evolved through the years with the establishment of formal dialogue relations in 1991 to its elevation to strategic partnership in 2003 and most recently, the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021.

The partnership has grown from strength to strength. ASEAN-China relations have a robust set of cooperation mechanisms at various levels, which is a testament to the partnership being substantive and mutually beneficial. Whether at the level of governments, the economy or people-to-people, ASEAN-China relations continues to withstand the test of time.

Amidst an increasingly turbulent global strategic environment made more complex with the emergence of new and emerging challenges, such as digitalisation and fast-changing technologies as well as the existential threat of climate change, ASEAN and China continue to partner together to advance peace, ensure prosperity for their two billion peoples and propel progress for the region.

The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception until 7.45pm.

Registration

This event is free to attend, but registration is required. seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. This lecture is taking place on campus and will not be live-streamed.

Sponsor and organiser

This event is funded by the Worldwide Support for Development (WSD) organisation and is organised by SOAS China Institute.

About the speaker

Kao Kim Hourn is the fifteenth Secretary-General of ASEAN. Prior to assuming his current position in January 2023, he served two terms as Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia (2013–2022), and as the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2004–2013). He has devoted his long public service to strengthening Cambodia’s international relations, particularly in ASEAN, driving policy advocacy and promoting research, education, and development. He has published dozens of books and articles on Cambodia and ASEAN. Dr Kao received a BA in Asian Studies from Baylor University, an MA in Political Science and MA in International Studies from Ohio University, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.