At the vibrant opening of the 21st China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang outlined a robust vision for deeper collaboration between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Ding emphasized the long-standing friendly relations, highlighting that China and ASEAN have consistently moved forward hand in hand. He described their partnership as the most successful and dynamic model of Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, embodying the principles of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Addressing the attendees, Ding spoke about China's ongoing efforts to build a great modern socialist country and pursue national rejuvenation through a unique Chinese path to modernization, which he believes will create significant opportunities globally.
Committed to principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, China aims to deepen practical cooperation with ASEAN nations. Ding called for elevating strategic mutual trust, implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and strengthening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to enhance regional and global prosperity and stability.
Highlighting economic collaboration, Ding urged for the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and the early conclusion of negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA). He emphasized the need to expand institutional openness and build more stable and seamless cross-border industrial and supply chains.
In his vision for connectivity, Ding advocated for the joint construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the development of key economic corridors and projects. He also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including the implementation of the China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program and the establishment of joint laboratories to ensure that innovative achievements benefit people on both sides.
Fostering mutual understanding and affinity among the people was another key focus. Taking advantage of the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Ding encouraged deeper cooperation in culture, tourism, training, and youth exchanges to solidify the foundation of public opinion regarding bilateral relations.
The opening ceremony featured video addresses from Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth, Laos' Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Following the speeches, Ding toured the exhibition hall and engaged with the heads of various exhibitors, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Reference(s):
China to work with ASEAN to build closer community with shared future
cgtn.com
