In a significant move towards strengthening regional ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the commitment to sound and sustainable development of China-ASEAN relations. Speaking in Beijing on Thursday, Wang highlighted China's readiness to collaborate with ASEAN countries to maintain momentum in fostering peace and development across the region.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addressed diplomatic envoys from 10 ASEAN nations during his meeting. He described China and ASEAN as good friends, neighbors, and partners, underscoring the stability their relationship brings to both the region and the global community.
Reiterating China's support for ASEAN's centrality, Wang stressed the importance of true multilateralism. He articulated China's vision to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world alongside inclusive economic globalization, aiming to build a more just and reasonable global governance system in partnership with ASEAN countries.
Wang also encouraged ASEAN nations to leverage the new opportunities arising from China's development journey. He called for joint efforts to achieve modernization in Asia and beyond, fostering collaboration in areas such as economy, trade and investment, connectivity, the digital economy, green transformation, and sustainable development.
Diplomatic envoys from ASEAN countries echoed these sentiments, noting that this year marks a pivotal milestone in the establishment of diplomatic ties between many ASEAN nations and China. They expressed optimism about unlocking the potential for deeper bilateral cooperation and advancing ASEAN-China relations to new heights through initiatives like the Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
As China and ASEAN continue to navigate the complexities of the global landscape, their strengthened partnership stands as a beacon of stability and progress, contributing significantly to regional peace and sustainable development.
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Wang Yi calls for sound, sustainable development of China-ASEAN ties
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