Wang Yi: The 30th Anniversary Summit of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations Will Promote the Quality and Upgrade of China-ASEAN Relations
On November 20, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a video speech at the Global Think Tank Conference, introducing China-ASEAN cooperation.
Wang Yi said that at present, against the background of the evolution of the international structure, two completely different trends and trends have emerged in the Asia-Pacific region. One is to focus on mutually beneficial cooperation, seek common development and rejuvenation, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region; the other is to create barriers and divisions, provoke conflicts and confrontations, and engage in small circles of military and political groups. Obviously, the first trend is in line with the common aspirations of the region and the common interests of all countries, while the latter will seriously damage the hard-won peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and should be resisted by the most determined collective.
Wang Yi said that the Asia-Pacific region, especially the most dynamic East Asia region, already has a mature regional cooperation framework, forming a regional cooperation platform with ASEAN as the center and ASEAN partnership as the main carrier, including the dialogue partnership between China and ASEAN. It has always played a leading and exemplary role in regional cooperation. China supports the construction of the ASEAN community, supports ASEAN’s central position in the regional structure, and supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in the Asia-Pacific region.
Wang Yi said that we have noticed that ASEAN has independently put forward its own vision for the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the principles of openness, transparency, tolerance, equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual benefit, and upholding important principles such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. The concepts and principles are in line with the purposes of the UN Charter and also in line with China’s foreign policy concepts. China has carried out fruitful cooperation with the four major areas of maritime, interconnection, sustainable development and economy proposed by ASEAN, and we are willing to further deepen it.
Wang Yi said that in two days, China and ASEAN will hold a commemorative summit for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of a dialogue partnership. This is an important and milestone meeting. President Xi Jinping will attend in person to review with leaders of ASEAN countries the major achievements and useful experiences of bilateral relations over the past 30 years, and make plans for future development prospects and indicate the direction. This summit will surely promote the further improvement and upgrading of China-ASEAN relations, take new steps towards building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and will also make new and greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.