The China-ASEAN model is one of the most successful and dynamic regional cooperation models in the Asia-Pacific region. Analyzing the impact mechanism of China-ASEAN financial cooperation on trade partnerships is crucial for promoting the international flow of resources and contributing to fostering a new development paradigm. Applying text analysis and machine learning techniques to develop a financial cooperation index explores the impact of China-ASEAN financial cooperation on trade partnerships from 2008 to 2023. The results show that China-ASEAN financial cooperation significantly strengthens trade partnerships, yielding positive effects under both market-led and government-led frameworks. The positive impact is more pronounced in ASEAN countries with faster economic growth, deeper marketization, and stronger cultural affinity with China. China-ASEAN financial cooperation promotes trade partnerships through the “environment” channel and the “resource” channel. The “environment” channel reduces currency fluctuations and lowers the uncertainty of financial risks. The “resource” channel boosts direct investment and provides financial resources. Global geopolitical risks exhibit a U-shaped moderating effect on China-ASEAN financial cooperation and trade partnership. It provides a valuable reference for better leveraging the role of finance, which can enhance the resilience of China-ASEAN foreign trade and promote the high-quality development of trade partnership.