China Regards ASEAN As A Priority In Its Neighbourhood Diplomacy
From Rohani Ibrahim
BEIJING, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- China always regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, said its Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
“China looks forward to working with ASEAN and regional countries to discuss plans for cooperation and development, honour our original commitments, build up consensus, enhance mutual trust, uphold true multilateralism and safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system,” he said in a regular press conference at the Ministry on Friday.
He also reaffirmed China’s support for the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” set by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair this year.
According to Guo, China will work to build the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and ensure the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
China will also carry forward the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, and provide more stability and certainty to the region and beyond, he said.
Malaysia is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct 26 to 28.
More than 30 heads of state and governments, including ASEAN leaders and key dialogue partners, will converge in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to discuss regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth.
Guo said at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 28th China-ASEAN Summit, the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit and the fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Leaders’ Meeting on October 27 and 28.
According to him, East Asia is one of the regions with the greatest dynamism and potential in the world.
He said ASEAN-led East Asian cooperation plays an important role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among participating parties and safeguarding regional stability, he added.
He said that amid the complex transformation of the international and regional situation, sluggish global economic growth and rising unilateralism and protectionism, East Asian cooperation is all the more relevant today.
-- BERNAMA
