Malaysia – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spotlighted the growing bond between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday. Speaking in Malaysia, Wang Yi outlined the fruitful achievements and future direction of the partnership.
Wang Yi emphasized four key areas of progress:
Closer Community Bonds: The concept of building a community with a shared future has deepened. China has elevated bilateral relations with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation.
Resilient Regional Cooperation: The completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area paves the way for the protocol to be signed within the year. The ASEAN-China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit has introduced a new model for cross-regional collaboration.
Enhanced Security Collaboration: Parties have completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, effectively managing differences and maintaining maritime stability. China is also working with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and others to combat transnational crimes like online gambling and telecommunications fraud.
Easier People-to-People Exchanges: Over 100 cultural exchange events have been held for two consecutive years. The implementation of the “Lancang-Mekong visas” and the “ASEAN visa” has made travel between countries more convenient, fostering closer ties among citizens.
“China has always regarded ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Wang Yi stated. He highlighted the region as a pilot zone for building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Looking ahead, Wang Yi affirmed China’s commitment to principles of good-neighborliness, stability, prosperity, and mutual benefit. He expressed China’s willingness to work with ASEAN to champion Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness.
“Together, we can build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, and friendly shared home,” he said, emphasizing the goal of accelerating the revitalization of Asia amid the rising momentum of the Global South.
