Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for stronger and sustainable development of China-ASEAN relations, emphasizing the importance of regional peace and collaboration. Speaking on Thursday in Beijing, Wang met with diplomatic envoys from the ten ASEAN countries, highlighting the long-standing friendship and partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“China and ASEAN are good friends, neighbors, and partners,” Wang said. “Our relations have provided valuable stability for the region and the world.” He expressed China’s readiness to work with ASEAN countries to maintain the momentum of positive development and to make joint contributions to regional prosperity.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reaffirmed China’s support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. He stressed that China advocates for true multilateralism and is committed to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world. This includes fostering inclusive economic globalization that benefits all nations.
He encouraged ASEAN countries to seize new opportunities arising from China’s development. “We welcome our ASEAN friends to work together with us to achieve modernization in Asia and the world,” Wang added.
The diplomatic envoys from ASEAN countries noted that this year marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between many ASEAN nations and China. They expressed hopes to unlock the potential for bilateral cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and investment, connectivity, the digital economy, green transformation, and sustainable development.
They also emphasized the importance of ensuring the success of the Year of People-to-People Exchanges and advancing ASEAN-China relations to new heights. “Together, we can take our partnership to a new level,” one envoy remarked.
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Wang Yi calls for sound, sustainable development of China-ASEAN ties
cgtn.com
