A more closely-knit China-ASEAN community of common destiny and a new cooperative framework called “2+7” feature the new thinking put forward by China’s new leaders in the year of 2013. China-ASEAN relations exhibit better cooperative prospects with new achievements made in the fields of political diplomacy，economy，defense and security. The rise of China and its strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries have drawn closer attention of the big powers. Driven by their own interests in Southeast Asia，the United States has changed its policy from its aggressive “returning” to “rebalancing”，while Japan is engaging in its vigorous promotion of the relationship with ASEAN countries. Input of the USA and Japan in current affairs of this region exerts influences on China-ASEAN relations. South China Sea area also fails to show us a stable state with certain noticeable events such as Philippino public service ship’s shooting at Taiwan fishermen，and submitting of disputes in the South China Sea to International Arbitration. China has taken positive measures on the South China Sea issue. First consultation on “Code of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” with ASEAN proves to be a new step of great significance. The joint efforts between China and ASEAN countries will surely bring about a new “Diamond Decade” in their future relationship.