Underscoring that China is at the core of its global strategy, Lich said Eastman will continue to innovate across a wide range of applications, from specialty plastics used in reusable bottles, electronics and cosmetics packaging, to performance films for automotive and architectural use, within the country, to seize more market share and further cut carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, market watchers said future cooperation in Northeast Asia is likely to expand beyond traditional sectors into fast-growing areas such as new energy, hydrogen power, artificial intelligence and cross-border payment systems.

"These fields not only align with global low-carbon and digital transformation trends, but also reflect the region's complementary strengths in technology, capital and resources," said Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics' Academy of China Open Economy Studies in Beijing.