This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN. Over the past 30 years, the two sides have insisted on maintaining trust and harmony, mutual benefit and win-win results, supporting multilateralism, and maintaining overall regional stability and sustained economic growth. Facing the impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, China and ASEAN have watched each other and supported each other, and the relationship between the two sides has been further consolidated.
“At present, China-ASEAN relations are developing healthily and steadily, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields continues to advance. Since last year, President Xi Jinping has conducted in-depth strategic communication with leaders of ASEAN countries through various means.” A few days ago, he attended the 24th China-ASEAN Leadership in Beijing. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Conference, pointed out that China always regards ASEAN as the priority direction of neighboring diplomacy, as always, firmly supports the construction of the ASEAN community, firmly supports ASEAN’s central position in the regional structure, and firmly supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs. China is willing to co-host the 30th anniversary commemorative summit of the establishment of dialogue relations with ASEAN. It is believed that the giant ship of China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation will go forward steadily and make greater contributions to Asia’s peace, stability, development and prosperity.
“unity is strength”. Unity is the source of strength of the ASEAN family and the foundation of the centrality of ASEAN. For a long time, ASEAN has adhered to the principles of consensus, non-interference in internal affairs, and comfort of all parties. It has played a key role in safeguarding ASEAN’s interests and promoting regional peace and stability. The more ASEAN adheres to unity and independence, the more it has the wisdom and ability to make good use of the “ASEAN Way” to properly resolve the pressing problems it faces. This is beneficial to Southeast Asia and the peaceful development of the region and the world.
China’s comprehensive deepening of reforms will not stop, and opening to the outside world will not stop. It will continue to firmly follow the road of mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, better integrate into the Asia-Pacific and world economy, and deepen friendship with other countries in the world, including ASEAN countries, in the process of opening up. work together.
Build a healthy line of defense together. To strengthen the communication and coordination of anti-epidemic policies, China is willing to further increase vaccine and anti-epidemic material assistance to ASEAN countries, and jointly improve early warning and emergency response capabilities. Propose the establishment of a China-ASEAN Public Health Science and Technology Cooperation Center to promote science and technology to empower public health cooperation.
Deepen economic integration. Promote the early entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and benefit the people of all countries in the region at an early date. It is willing to formally launch a joint feasibility study on the follow-up negotiations on the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and propose to explore the development of China-ASEAN “multi-country and multi-park” cooperation. China has formally applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) and hopes to receive support from ASEAN countries.
Promote inclusive development. Accelerate the establishment of a blue economic partnership. Strengthen international development cooperation, establish specialized agencies in ASEAN countries, and create demonstration sites for development cooperation.
Insist on innovation-driven. Implement the action plan for the science and technology innovation partnership in the next five years, explore the development of China-ASEAN industrial design cooperation, and complete the formulation of the Action Plan on Implementing the China-ASEAN Digital Economy Partnership (2021-2025) as soon as possible.
Expand green cooperation. Implement the “China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025)” to jointly respond to climate change, maintain global and regional biodiversity, and rationally promote the transformation and upgrading of the energy industry and economic structure.
Consolidate the foundation of public opinion. Under the premise of ensuring the safety of epidemic prevention, we will deal with the problems of returning to China from ASEAN countries in stages. It is proposed to establish a China-ASEAN education senior officials meeting mechanism, make good use of platforms such as the China-ASEAN Elite Scholarship, and continue to increase capital to the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund.
Li Keqiang emphasized that China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, maintain world and regional peace and stability, and promote common development. Peace in the South China Sea is in the common interests of China and ASEAN countries. Next year is the 20th anniversary of the signing of the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.” China is willing to use this as an opportunity to expand pragmatic maritime cooperation with ASEAN countries, accelerate the negotiation process, and strive to reach the “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” as soon as possible, so as to build the South China Sea into peace, friendship and cooperation. The sea.
(The author is a commentator for the People’s Daily Overseas Edition)
(Editor in charge: Zang Mengya)