Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared China as the most reliable partner for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia on Thursday.
“China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world,” Wang Yi said, emphasizing the shared interests and development goals between China and ASEAN nations.
Four Proposals for Stronger Ties
Wang Yi outlined four key proposals to enhance cooperation between China and ASEAN:
Defending International Fairness and Justice
He urged both sides to safeguard the global system with the United Nations at its core and uphold international law. Wang emphasized China’s support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs and expressed willingness to practice open regionalism and true multilateralism.
Maintaining Regional Peace and Stability
Stressing the importance of peace in the region, Wang Yi cautioned against introducing geopolitical conflicts into Asia. He announced China’s readiness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
He also highlighted the South China Sea as a shared home for regional countries, not an arena for major power contests. Wang Yi proposed expanding cooperation in marine environmental protection, navigation safety, and maritime law enforcement.
Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation
Wang Yi expressed China’s commitment to building the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and enhancing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. He underscored the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a platform for strengthening connectivity and supply chains.
Fostering Inclusiveness and Mutual Learning
Advocating for dialogue among different civilizations, Wang Yi called for joint efforts in organizing the “Year of People-to-People Exchange.” He encouraged enhanced exchanges in education, youth, think tanks, and media to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
ASEAN’s Positive Response
ASEAN representatives praised China-ASEAN cooperation as dynamic and fruitful. They expressed gratitude for China’s support and showed eagerness to align development strategies with China.
They looked forward to the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 protocol within the year and appreciated China’s willingness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to safeguarding multilateralism, addressing global challenges, and promoting regional peace and prosperity.
