Dear Colleagues,
In the four decades since its establishment, ASEAN has made remarkable
progress in strengthening itself through unity and grown into an important
regional and global force for peace and development. The "ASEAN Way" that
advocates consensus building and non-interference in other's internal affairs
has both consolidated unity in the organization and enhanced state-to-state
relations in the region. Guided by the principle of flexibility, pragmatism and
gradualism, ASEAN has made solid progress in community building and become a
successful example of cooperation among developing countries. By being open and
inclusive and taking new initiatives, ASEAN has initiated and advanced regional
cooperation, becoming a major driving force for cooperation in Asia.
We in China have great admiration for the achievements of ASEAN and sincerely
wish you greater success in development.
China supports ASEAN in accelerating integration and community building and
its leading role in regional cooperation. We are convinced that a strong, proud,
independent, united, stable and prosperous ASEAN will make greater contribution
to world peace and development. To support ASEAN's development, the Chinese
Government will donate one million U.S. dollars to the ASEAN Development Fund
and provide funding assistance of one million U.S. dollars for the relevant
projects under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration. China also offers to train
8,000 ASEAN professionals in different fields in the next five years and invites
1,000 young people from ASEAN countries to visit China.
Dear Colleagues,
To consolidate and enhance China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation is our
shared objective. We should seize the opportunity to strengthen and enrich our
cooperation and explore new ways to usher our bilateral relations in a new
stage. To this end, I propose that we take the following steps:
First, enhance strategic coordination. We should maintain regular high-level
exchange of visits and expand links between governments, parliaments and
political parties to increase mutual trust. We should keep close coordination
and cooperation on major regional and international issues and ensure that ASEAN
remain at the core of East Asia cooperation and that 10 + 3 serve as the main
vehicle in East Asia cooperation. We should uphold the authority and role of the
United Nations and work together to makethe international political and economic
order a more just and equitable one.
Second, enrich bilateral cooperation. We should consider signing a follow-up
agreement on expanding economic and trade tiesas well as the relevant
institutional arrangement, on the basis ofthe Framework Agreement on
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between China and ASEAN. The Agreement on
Trade in Goods should befully implemented and negotiation on trade in service
and investment should be accelerated to speed up the process of establishing the
China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. We should press ahead with the construction of the
Kunming-Singapore Railway and the Asia highway network, launch energy
cooperation and advance result-oriented cooperation in the ten priority areas.
Third, ensure common security. We should expand military dialogue and
exchanges, conduct and institutionalize defense cooperation, continue to
implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and
promote joint development ofthe South China Sea. China supports the
establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia and is ready to
sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
at an early date. We should also step up cooperation on cross-border issues
concerning counter-terrorism, transnational crimes, maritime security, rescue
operation and disaster relief.
Fourth, foster closer people-to-people exchanges. We should enhance
cooperation in science and technology, culture and education and sports,
strengthen links between social groups, media, and educational and research
institutes, conduct regular cultural, art and sports events and increase
exchanges between local communities. Young people are our hope and future. They
should be encouraged to work in each other's countries as volunteers to deepen
mutual understanding and friendship and this will enable our friendship to pass
on from generation to generation.
China is committed to good neighborly relations, friendship and cooperation
with ASEAN countries and China-ASEAN strategic partnership. We will adhere to
the policies of "pursuing good neighborly relations and partnership with
neighbors" and "fostering a harmonious, secure and prosperous neighborly
environment". China will remain a good neighbor, good partner and good friend of
ASEAN.
Today, we are opening a new page in China-ASEAN relations, and we have full
confidence about our future. Let us redouble effort to lift China-ASEAN
strategic partnership to a higher level, enhance development of East Asia and
promote peace, security and prosperity both in Asia and the whole world.
Thank you.
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